Podcast Summary
Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: Former NJ Congressional Staffer FAKES Brutal, Racist Attack. The Details Are Jaw Dropping
Date: November 21, 2025
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes
Episode Overview
In this compelling episode, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes dive deeply into the shocking case of Natalie Green, a 26-year-old former New Jersey Republican congressional staffer, who faked a violent, politically charged attack on herself. The hosts break down the details of the elaborate hoax, investigative twists, the real evidence, public reactions, and raise pressing questions about motivation, mental health, and the wider social impact.
Key Discussion Points
1. The Case Overview
[03:29]
- TJ Holmes sets the scene: Natalie Green was discovered in a wooded area outside Atlantic City, bound with zip ties, lacerated, and with racist and anti-Trump messages carved into her body.
- Initial reports suggested a hate-motivated, brutal attack by three men with a gun.
“I don’t know how it’s possible that this young lady would be willing to go through what she went through, which was pretty extreme. All for the sake of what? Attention?” — TJ Holmes [03:29]
2. The Shock Value and First Impressions
[04:13 – 06:21]
- Amy expresses disbelief at the story details and physical evidence.
- The hosts emphasize how convincing the injuries appeared — including “Trump Whore” carved on her stomach. Photos were widely circulated and looked like “something out of a horror movie.”
“It looked like something out of a horror movie. And I’m not exaggerating.” — Amy Robach [05:46]
3. Police Investigation & How the Hoax Unraveled
[08:19]
- Early police suspicions arose due to zip ties in Natalie’s car identical to those used in her binding.
- Cell phone data linked her and an unnamed co-conspirator to “zip ties near me” Google searches.
“They found a Google search… What was the Google search? Zip ties near me.” — Amy Robach [09:10]
- Most damning: Messages on Natalie’s phone revealed she paid a “body modification scarification artist” $500 to inflict the precise injuries.
“She actually provided the exact… map of how she wanted her cuts and lacerations and scars to go in a predetermined area. She had it all planned out.” — Amy Robach [11:18]
4. Body Modification Industry & Ethical Questions
[10:31 – 14:00]
- Discussion on scarification as a legal, though unusual, body modification practice.
- Amy and TJ reflect on the ethical and professional responsibilities of the scarification artist.
“Is there any sort of responsibility on the artist’s part if someone asks you to do something pretty horrific to your body?” — Amy Robach [13:12]
5. Reactions & Statements
[14:25 – 21:18]
- The Republican Congressman employing Natalie, Jeff Van Drew, issued a noncommittal, sympathetic statement wishing her “the care she needs.”
- Natalie’s attorney emphasizes her community service, student status, and “presumed innocence,” but avoids addressing motive.
- The hosts compare the case to Jussie Smollett’s 2019 fake crime story, noting major differences in motive and execution.
“She is otherwise a good person and a hard-working person who maybe lost her way.” — Amy Robach [21:44]
6. Motivations, Mental Health, and Legal Fallout
[22:12 – 24:53]
- No official motive has been provided. TJ speculates this was more than attention-seeking—a sign of serious distress or a “cry for help.”
- Amy highlights this was a premeditated, elaborate plan requiring coordination and outside help.
- Questions remain about the role of a co-conspirator who has not been identified or charged; speculation they may become a witness.
“This took a lot of planning. This took a lot of pain. This wasn’t just a silly little something or make a bad decision. This was really thought… She had a lot of moments and times to go, ‘Nah, I don’t want to do this.’” — TJ Holmes [22:42]
7. Impact and Criminal Consequences
[24:53–26:03]
- Amy stresses the real-world waste of police and community resources, making this far from a victimless crime.
- Legal ramifications: Natalie faces up to 10 years in prison and $500,000 in fines if convicted.
“I know people might say, oh, this is a victimless crime, but actually that's not the case...a lot of time, a lot of money and a lot of wasted effort was spent.” — Amy Robach [24:53]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Unthinkable Nature of the Hoax:
“It looked like something out of a horror movie. And I’m not exaggerating.” — Amy Robach [05:46] -
On Damning Digital Footprints:
“They found a Google search… What was the Google search? Zip ties near me.” — Amy Robach [09:10]
(TJ jokes about the innocence of most “near me” searches, contrasting with this alarming one.) -
On Legal & Ethical Questions:
“Is there any sort of responsibility on the artist’s part if someone asks you to do something pretty horrific to your body?” — Amy Robach [13:12] -
On Motive and Mental Health:
“This isn’t a plea for attention. This is a cry for help.” — TJ Holmes [24:26] -
On Seriousness of False Reports:
“A lot of time, a lot of money and a lot of wasted effort was spent.” — Amy Robach [24:53]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 03:29 — Introduction to Natalie Green’s case and initial summary
- 04:30 — Legal charges against Natalie Green explained
- 05:32 — Description of the staged injuries and initial police reaction
- 08:19 — Investigation details: zip ties evidence and suspicious Google search
- 09:29 — Discovery of scarification artist connection; payment details
- 10:31–14:00 — Deep dive on scarification and its ethical implications
- 14:25 — Statements from her attorney and Congressman Jeff Van Drew
- 20:19 — Motive comparison to other false crime hoaxes, like Jussie Smollett
- 22:12–24:26 — Reflection on motive, mental health, and co-conspirator
- 24:53 — Significance of wasted community resources, legal ramifications
Tone and Style
The hosts maintain a mix of incredulity, concern, empathy, and seriousness. Humor is used momentarily, mostly in reaction to absurd or surreal details. Both Amy and TJ are critical of the crime’s impact on public trust and resources, but express sympathy and a desire to understand Natalie Green’s state of mind and motivations.
Conclusion
Amy and TJ conclude by underlining both the bizarre nature and the seriousness of the crime, its impact on public resources, and the ongoing legal process. The case remains under investigation, with many unanswered questions about motive and possible accomplices.
“She is facing a maximum of 10 years behind bars and up to $500,000 if convicted. So we'll follow this. It is a bizarre one. Certainly got our attention today.” — Amy Robach [26:03]
This episode is a riveting exploration of an extreme and perplexing crime, peppered with insightful commentary on contemporary social and psychological pressures, law enforcement challenges, and the far-reaching effects of fabricated hate crimes.