This article contains language about sexual assault that some readers may find upsetting.
Netflix is telling another shocking true story in brand new documentary, A Toxic Love Story.
When newlywed Angela Diaz began receiving threatening emails from a mysterious Lilithistruth, everything pointed to it being one person – her husband’s ex-fiancée.
But when the ex-fiancée, Michelle Hadley, was arrested, a scandal began brewing in their quaint California suburb as it became unclear who was the true victim.
“After the incredible response to Lover Stalker Killer and The Man with 1,000 kids, we knew we had to keep pushing the boundaries of true crime,” said producer Dov Freedman. “This new film is exactly that, a story where nothing is quite what it seems, full of twists and turns that will keep audiences gripped from start to finish.”
Who was really behind the threatening emails? Read on to find out more about the shocking case explored in A Toxic Love Story on Netflix.
What happened between Michelle Hadley, Ian and Angela Diaz?
Michelle Hadley was a 29-year-old graduate when her ex-boyfriend, Ian Diaz, falsely accused her of threatening behaviour. Michelle and Ian had once been engaged but were still tied together by a condo they owned in Anaheim, which they were in dispute over.
The following year Ian’s wife, Angela, allegedly began receiving threatening emails from an anonymous sender, but then it began to show they were sent from Michelle.
Angela filed a restraining order against Michelle, but the emails continued, with one reading: “Burn in the fiery pits of hell tonight, as by God’s law. You will be hurt.”
Weeks later, someone responded to a Craigslist advert that read: “I am dying for this kind of fantasy to come true. Pull me down, choke and bruise me, have your way with me.”
The address given was the Anaheim condo where Ian and Angela lived.
Angela claimed that men were showing up to her home and one attacked her. Michelle was then arrested in July 2016.
Unable to bail her out of jail, Michelle’s parents hired attorney Michael Guisti, and after looking through all the evidence, they came to the conclusion that Michelle was being framed.
In May 2016, Ian and his wife Angela created multiple online accounts using Michelle’s name. The accounts were then used to communicate with men found via the Craigslist adverts.
“It was a purpose of the conspiracy to engage in a cyberstalking campaign to harass and intimidate (Hadley) by framing her for criminal conduct that she did not commit,” the indictment read.
In January 2017, the charges against Michelle were dismissed.
“This has been a huge nightmare for me. Probably the most traumatic experience of my life,” said Michelle, standing on the steps outside an Orange County courthouse.
Where is Michelle Hadley now?
Hadley lives a private life, and recently spoke of her ordeal in a 2025 Investigation Discovery true crime series TOXIC.
In 2021, Hadley settled a federal lawsuit against the city of Anaheim.
Hadley’s lawyers said: “It was our client’s bravery and diligence in bringing her civil suit, which settled this past week on the eve of trial, that exposed the holes in Anaheim’s investigation and the cover up of the cover up.
“Let this be a lesson to all abusers – the law will catch up to you. Even if you are a law enforcer.”
Where are Ian and Angela Diaz now?
Ian and Angela Diaz are now divorced.
Angela Diaz was sentenced to five years in prison in 2017 after pleading guilty.
Ian Diaz was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison for conspiracy to commit cyberstalking, cyberstalking, perjury and obstruction of justice.
A Toxic Love Story is available to watch on Netflix now. You can sign up to Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky TV and Virgin Media.
Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
