Yesterday I watched the new HBO Max docuseries, "What Happened, Brittany Murphy?" I haven't been able to stop thinking about it today. It's clear to me that her husband, Simon Monjack, was the quintessential Negative Value Male. Many people interviewed for the documentary believe he contributed to, if not CAUSED, Brittany's death.

(Spoiler warning, in case anyone is planning on watching the doc)

For those who may not know, Brittany Murphy was an actress who had acclaimed roles in movies like Clueless, Girl Interrupted and 8 Mile. She tragically died in 2009 at the age of 32. An autopsy ruled that "the manner of death was accidental and that the cause of death was pneumonia, with secondary factors of severe iron-deficiency anemia and multiple drug intoxication," (Wikipedia). Her death is/was controversial because she was young and because her NVM husband, Simon Monjack, died of the exact same cause about five months later.

The series details Brittany's rise to fame, what she was like as a friend/coworker, and pressures she was under. It also goes into great detail about Simon Monjack. She met Monjack after a few failed relationships (including a very public breakup with Ashton Kutcher) and was likely in a prime spot to be manipulated.

Monjack was a NVM in every sense of the word, according to the doc. Even his mom and brother, who were both interviewed for the doc, characterized him as lying and manipulative.

When he and Brittany got together, he apparently isolated her and began controlling every aspect of her life. Monjack began acting as her agent, publicist, etc. Friends in the doc speak about how little they saw her once she married him. He decided what roles she took -- The doc talks about how she went from starring in A-list quality films like 8 Mile to straight to video movies. Monjack even acted as Brittany's makeup artist on set and wouldn't let her use the on-set professional makeup artist.

He had TWO children that Brittany didn't know existed. He also, of course, drained her estate of money. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his shittiness.

The whole situation is so sad. A vibrant, talented woman who should have had a promising future literally had the life sucked out of her.

Someone interviewed for the doc - I believe it was the medical examiner - speculated that Brittany MAY have lived if Monjack would have gotten her to a hospital sooner. However even if someone doesn't believe Monjack caused her death, I feel like anyone could agree that he CERTIANLY didn't add anything of value to her life.

Always, always, always vet, ladies!