Tonya Harding was once a big name in the figure skating sphere for her talents on the ice, but she is best-known nowadays for the scandal from back in 1994 that involved an attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan and a lot of attention from the national media. There have been many conflicting stories about what happened when Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed in the leg ahead of the Winter Olympics, and the story recently returned to the spotlight thanks to the I, Tonya movie. Now, Tonya Harding is telling the story in her own words in a two-hour ABC special, and a first look features Harding talking about Kerrigan. Check it out!
In Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story, Tonya Harding will evidently tell her side of the story in a way that she hasn't before. She'll also delve into her own past and the life she led before hitting the national spotlight. A lot of the focus of the story of Harding and Nancy Kerrigan painted Harding as a villain for what was done to Kerrigan; the ABC special looks to give more of Harding's perspective.
Of course, it's clear from this first look that the special will give more insight than just what Tonya Harding has to say, as we can see her claim that she and Nancy Kerrigan were friends being disputed. In fact, even her claim from back in 1994 that she was sorry about what had happened to Nancy Kerrigan seems to be disputed in the special. It's probably safe to say that Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story won't just be two hours of Harding speaking to the camera.
In addition to her relationship with Nancy Kerrigan, Tonya Harding will chat about her relationships with her mom, LaVona "Sandy" Golden, and her now ex-husband Jeff Gillooly. Both were portrayed in 2017's I, Tonya movie, so it should be interesting to see how Harding's account of their characters compares to their portrayals on the big screen.
Footage of Harding as a young girl will be featured, as well as commentary from a number of folks relevant to the story, including news anchor Connie Chung who infamously attempted to interview Harding back in 1994, Harding's former coach Dody Teachman, and the district attorney who prosecuted the case against Harding and Gillooly, among others. Actors from I, Tonya will weigh in as well. We'll have to wait and see what they have to say about what happened before, during, and after the attack on Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding's involvement.
Truth and Lies: The Tonya Harding Story will air on Thursday, January 11 from 9 - 11 p.m. ET on ABC. Be sure to tune in to see more of the story of what happened between Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan from Harding's point of view. For more of your viewing options in the new year, be sure to swing by our midseason TV premiere guide and our 2018 Netflix premiere schedule.