Chris Hansen considers legal action against A24 over 'Primetime' portrayal

Chris Hansen has criticised the portrayal of his life and work in Primetime, describing the A24 film as a “complete work of fiction” and saying he is considering potential legal action.

The film, directed by Lance Oppenheim and starring Robert Pattinson as Hansen, centres on the former Dateline segment To Catch a Predator, which ran from 2004 to 2007.

Hansen said the only non-fictionalised elements involving him are the use of his name and two or three catchphrases.

The film also focuses on the 2006 death of Louis William Conradt Jr., an assistant district attorney who died by suicide after police arrived at his home following an investigation involving decoys posing as teenagers.

Hansen said nobody wanted to see Conradt take his own life, but rejected the suggestion that the Predator team pressured authorities into pursuing him.

He said the investigation was conducted as part of law enforcement procedures and that the circumstances depicted in Primetime did not accurately reflect what happened.

Hansen also objected to the film's depiction of his personal and professional life. He said the filmmakers used his name, image and reputation without consulting him and claimed they “exploited me and my brand and my name image for commercial enterprise.”

The journalist said lawyers are reviewing the possibility of legal action, although he has not made a final decision.

Hansen also addressed the film's portrayal of his former colleagues, saying they were upset by how they were represented. He said one producer was particularly affected by the depiction.

Despite his criticism, Hansen acknowledged Primetime's box-office performance and said he believes the film's success was partly driven by A24 and Pattinson.