Did Aileen Wuornos Really Stay at Lizzie Borden’s House? Debunking Those “Monster” Episodes

**Aileen Wuornos and Lizzie Borden: Fiction Meets Murky History in Netflix Series**

The convergence of two infamous female figures, Aileen Wuornos and Lizzie Borden, has captivated audiences in the Netflix series, *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story*. Aileen Wuornos, a notorious serial killer, was already imprisoned by the time the Borden residence transitioned into a bed and breakfast. This creative liberty taken by the series serves as a conduit to examine themes of female rage, although no historical basis underpins this fictional encounter.

In the Netflix drama, viewers are introduced to an imaginative scenario in which Wuornos, portrayed by Sarah Paulson, stays overnight at Borden’s home with her girlfriend to celebrate their anniversary. During her stay, Wuornos purportedly encounters the ghost of Lizzie Borden, portrayed by Ella Beatty. The exchange sheds light on Wuornos’s admiration for Lizzie, whom she describes as a woman who “didn’t take any s—,” thus drawing a parallel between their violent actions. This interaction, while creatively enriching, has no historical evidence to support that Wuornos had any actual affinity for Borden.

Commenting on the narrative choice, Ian Brennan, co-creator of the series, elaborated on the underlying theme of female rage. He explained that it was crucial to showcase a continuum rather than view these women as isolated cases. In his words, “Female rage is something that runs through our history and our species.” This thematic exploration positions the two women within a broader social context, rather than limiting them to their crimes.

In reality, Aileen Wuornos’s crimes were driven by her tumultuous life circumstances and troubled past. Wuornos claimed to have killed in self-defence against sexual violence, particularly in the case of her victim, Richard Mallory. However, there are no verified records to suggest that Wuornos admired or even acknowledged Borden, who was accused in 1892 of killing her parents with an axe—a crime that continues to fascinate the public over a century later.

Brennan also addressed the creative liberties taken in the series, explaining that the connection between Wuornos and Borden was intentionally crafted to modernise the story, creating a narrative that resonated with contemporary viewers. “It just made it come alive all the more,” he remarked in an interview, suggesting that the melding of these two figures helps to highlight persistent issues of misogyny and societal violence against women.

Moreover, the historical inaccuracy surrounding Wuornos’s supposed visit to Borden’s home is significant. The Massachusetts property did not operate as a bed and breakfast until 1996, four years after Wuornos was convicted of multiple murders and awaiting execution in a Florida prison. By the time the establishment opened for guests, Wuornos was completely removed from the possibility of visiting, thus eliminating any chance of a real-life interaction.

Despite the embellished storytelling, the Lizzie Borden home remains a site of intrigue for those interested in its grisly past. Following years of private ownership, the residence began welcoming guests as a bed and breakfast in 1996, and it continues to draw visitors, including those keen on a ghost tour or a Victorian murder mystery experience. The property has since changed hands, most recently acquired by Lance Zaal in 2021, who has incorporated it into his paranormal tourism venture, US Ghost Adventures.

Visitors have the opportunity to book a stay in the very room where Abby Borden’s body was discovered—a chilling prospect that keeps the legend alive. As historical interpretations intertwine with modern narratives, the homes of such infamous figures are transformed into living museums—places where history and horror intermingle.

Ultimately, while *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* presents a creatively fabricated narrative, it functions as a lens through which to explore societal themes and the cultural fascination surrounding female violence. By positioning figures like Aileen Wuornos and Lizzie Borden in a shared narrative, the series not only entertains but invites reflection on the complexities of women who have strayed into the realm of infamy.