Sherri Papini names ex-boyfriend as abductor in shocking new interview

Sherri Papini, once known for faking her own abduction, now claims she was truly kidnapped — and has named her ex-boyfriend James Reyes as the man responsible.

In Investigation Discovery’s two-night special Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie, airing May 26–27, Papini reverses her prior confession and shares disturbing new details.

Papini, 42, disappeared in 2016 for 22 days, returning with bruises, branding, and a chain around her waist. At the time, she blamed two Hispanic women, a lie she later admitted. But now, Papini alleges Reyes was behind the ordeal. “There was no consent,” she claims. “I am telling you there was no consent.” Reyes previously denied kidnapping her, insisting he was just helping a friend.

The documentary highlights male DNA on her clothes that led authorities to Reyes. He told investigators the wounds were self-inflicted, though admitted to branding her at her request. Papini pleaded guilty to mail fraud and lying to a federal officer in 2022 and served nearly 11 months in prison.

Now released, Papini says she kept Reyes’ identity secret out of fear. In a polygraph test featured in the show, her responses suggested her story was credible. Her therapist also supports her claims, saying she’s finally breaking long-standing defense mechanisms rooted in childhood trauma.

Sherri Papini: Caught in the Lie is also available to stream on Max.