The father of JonBenét Ramsey has issued a stark legal warning to Paramount+ over its forthcoming drama series revisiting his daughter's infamous unsolved murder. John Ramsey, 82, told the Daily Mail he would not hesitate to launch a massive lawsuit if the programme repeats speculative theories that previously targeted his son, Burke.
Legal Threats and a Family's Anguish
John Ramsey stated unequivocally that he would pursue civil action if the Paramount+ series, titled 'Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey', insinuates his older son was involved. The show, starring Clive Owen as John and Melissa McCarthy as his late wife Patsy, was due for release in summer 2026. However, reports suggest Paramount executives are considering scrapping the completed project entirely due to fears of litigation.
These concerns are well-founded. In 2016, Burke Ramsey sued CBS—now owned by Paramount—for a staggering $750 million after the network aired a documentary advancing a theory that he, aged just nine at the time of the crime, could have been the killer. That case was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum in 2019. John Ramsey emphasised that the 'horrible' allegations had a profound effect on Burke and no monetary settlement could remedy the harm caused.
A Case Shrouded in Mystery and Speculation
The murder of six-year-old pageant queen JonBenét Ramsey in Boulder, Colorado, on 26 December 1996 remains one of America's most haunting cold cases. She was found bludgeoned and strangled in the basement of her family home. Her parents, John and Patsy, reported her missing and were immediately cast under a cloud of suspicion by Boulder police.
They maintained their innocence, insisting an intruder was responsible. In 2008, then-District Attorney Mary Lacy formally cleared the entire Ramsey family—John, Patsy, and Burke—based on new DNA evidence, and apologised for the years of suspicion. Tragically, the vindication came two years after Patsy died from ovarian cancer at age 49.
Uncertain Future for Controversial Series
Industry reports indicate Paramount's lawyers are 'super nervous' about the content of the drama series. A full legal review is reportedly underway, with a 'strong chance' the show will be shelved to avoid potential lawsuits. The production company, 101 Studios, may be permitted to shop the series to other networks or streamers.
John Ramsey said he has not been contacted by Paramount and has no knowledge of what the series ultimately portrays. Actress Melissa McCarthy, who plays Patsy, offered cryptic comments in January 2025, expressing sympathy for the family and hoping the show gives them 'their humanity'.
The threat of legal action comes as Boulder police announced they have uncovered new evidence and are retesting older artifacts, giving John Ramsey fresh hope that the 29-year-old case could soon be solved. He described the immense challenge of protecting Burke from the media frenzy, including using decoy cars to get him to school safely. For the Ramsey family, the potential Paramount+ series represents not just a retelling of tragedy, but a risk of reopening deep wounds.
