Ep 16. Nicole Abusharif
- TV-14
- September 9, 2012
- 43 min
Nicole Abusharif was a successful attorney in Chicago, but her personal life was chaotic. Her marriage to prominent surgeon Shadid lasted only three years and ended in a bitter divorce. Despite this, Nicole remained friendly with her ex-husband, even attending his wedding to another woman.
But behind closed doors, Nicole's behavior grew increasingly erratic. She was convinced that Shadid was still in love with her and became obsessed with winning him back. She started sending him frequent emails and text messages, sometimes as many as 50 per day.
Nicole's behavior became so concerning that Shadid filed for a restraining order against her, which she violated multiple times. She was arrested and charged with stalking and harassing her ex-husband.
During the trial, Nicole's mental state was under question. Her behavior suggested that she was suffering from delusions and possibly even a personality disorder. But despite her attorneys' attempts to argue that she was not in her right mind, Nicole was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.
The episode takes a deep dive into Nicole's life before and after her arrest. It explores her troubled relationship with Shadid, her descent into paranoia and delusion, and the impact her behavior had on her career and personal life.
Interviews with friends, family members, and legal experts shed light on Nicole's state of mind and the events that led to her arrest. The episode also features footage from her trial and news reports about the case.
Ultimately, the episode is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health issues.