*Lifetime is set to revisit one of the most talked-about stories of the early 2000s with a new biopic and documentary series about Natalie Suleman, famously known as “Octomom.” As her octuplets turn 16 this year, Suleman is speaking out about the death threats and global condemnation she endured at the height of her fame.
Suleman underwent IVF treatments with Dr. Michael Kamrava, a Beverly Hills fertility specialist, who implanted her with 12 embryos—far exceeding standard medical guidelines. Suleman had previously conceived her six older children through IVF as well: Elijah (23), Amerah (22), Joshua (20), Aiden (19), and twins Calyssa and Caleb (14).
“In the beginning it was complete pandemonium,” she told PEOPLE of the notoriety.
“There was of course all of the details of the death threats and fearing for my family’s life. And then on the other hand, I had to continue to sacrifice my integrity repeatedly to survive and provide for my family,” Suleman added.
“It wasn’t until they were maybe about 4 years old, I finally was able to escape all of that, the attack it felt from the world … and all that global scorn and condemnation, being the target of misplaced hate,” she explained. “I could escape and finally go back to the life I had once known before.”
Scroll to continue reading
The new biopic, “I Was Octomom: The Natalie Suleman Story,” premieres on Saturday, March 8, featuring Kristen Lee Gutoskie in the lead role, with narration by Suleman herself. “Told from her perspective, the movie follows Suleman’s journey starting from her decision to have one more IVF procedure to complete her then family of six, to becoming a mother of 14, having survived her life being torn apart by the tabloid media,” per the synopsis.
Then starting Monday, March 10, the six-part documentary series “Confessions of Octomom” will follow Suleman as she provides an intimate look at her history, her life today, and her newest role as a grandmother. Per the series description: “Suleman and her 14 children reveal a much different life than the world has ever been privy to before. The series also follows the octuplets through their challenges and triumphs, growing up in the spotlight and their desire to move beyond their now secluded life.”
“I’ve been saying, I want to keep them safe and protect my kids, and well, they’re older now,” Suleman said about why she waited to do the doc. “They’re turning 16 and making the decision to really do this.”
Suleman’s children will speak for the first time publicly in the documentary.
“Our mom would finally be able to say her side of the story, because I feel like it was very unfair how she was terrorized and hated for just being a mother. And she had to sacrifice so much just for her children,” Suleman’s daughter Nariyah told PEOPLE.
“I’m not this compartmentalized caricature,” Suleman said. “I am not Octomom, I’m a mom.”
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Florida Man Arrested After Running over Baby in SUV During Argument
