Podcast Episode Summary: "The Making of a Beauty Queen | 8"
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Introduction
In the eighth episode of "Don't Cross Kat", hosts Chico Felitti and Fernanda Echeverri delve into the intricate process behind creating the podcast series, focusing specifically on the intriguing story of Kat Torres—a beauty queen with a dark underbelly. This episode provides listeners with an in-depth look at both the production challenges and the deeper psychological facets of Kat Torres’ life.
Behind the Scenes: Producing "Don't Cross Kat"
Chico Felitti and Fernanda Echeverri open the episode by discussing their collaborative efforts in producing the series. Fernanda, the senior producer based in Brazil, and Chico, working from the US, recount the extensive time spent in the studio to bring the story to life.
Fernanda shares insights into the production process:
“We recorded this series together in the studio. You were in the studio in the US and I was in the studio here in Brazil.” [00:22]
Their dynamic partnership is evident as they navigate the complexities of telling Kat Torres’ story, highlighting their commitment to uncovering the truth behind her facade.
Kat Torres: The Beauty Queen Behind Bars
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring Kat Torres' unexpected participation in a beauty pageant within a Brazilian prison. Chico and Fernanda examine the juxtaposition of Kat’s glamorous appearance with her incarcerated status.
Chico describes Kat’s appearance during the pageant:
“She looks stunning, I gotta say.” [03:36]
Fernanda raises concerns about the fairness of a supermodel being placed alongside “normal” inmates:
“It’s kind of unfair to throw a supermodel into a jail of, quote, unquote, normal women.” [04:24]
They discuss the uniqueness of holding a beauty pageant in prison, a phenomenon that has emerged in Brazil over the past six to seven years. Kat Torres was crowned the queen of her current jail, a testament to her enduring beauty and influence despite her circumstances.
Psychological Insights: Kat’s Transformation and Media Attention
The hosts delve into Kat’s psychological state, highlighting her initial depression following her arrest and the subsequent upliftment she experienced through the beauty pageant. Chico elaborates on Kat’s mental health struggles:
“She had an initial time. She had an initial process of getting depressed and quitting her medication while she was in jail and going through a deep depression.” [05:11]
Fernanda questions whether media attention has become Kat’s primary source of meaning:
“Is the only meaning in your life the attention that you get from others because of your beauty?” [08:02]
Chico concurs, acknowledging Kat’s reliance on external validation as part of her modus operandi:
“She always taught people that they should manage to get control over other people through your beauty and through your youth.” [08:27]
Kat’s Journey in Beauty Pageants
The episode provides a detailed recount of Kat’s foray into beauty pageants. Chico narrates how Kat transitioned from modeling in Italy to competing in the Miss Sao Paulo beauty pageant in Brazil.
Chico explains:
“She was a natural. She was really convinced that Kat was one of the favorites to win the crown.” [09:46]
Kat advanced to the quarterfinals out of approximately 40 contestants, garnering national attention through live broadcasts. However, her lack of emotional display—a stark contrast to the typically expressive Brazilian contestants—led to her elimination.
Fernanda reflects on the cultural significance of emotional expression in Brazilian pageants:
“They're big emotion showers. They do cry, they're like, I am physically better than you.” [12:02]
Investigative Journey: Uncovering Kat’s Dark Side
Fernanda and Chico discuss the pivotal moment that shifted their perception of Kat from a social media influencer to a subject worthy of deep investigation:
“What we realized was that followers, young women, were actually being taken to the US to live with Kat Torres.” [17:58]
This revelation prompted Chico to probe further into allegations of trafficking and exploitation, transforming Kat's seemingly harmless online persona into a sinister figure manipulating her followers.
Chico admits his initial skepticism:
“It was kind of cringy. But I couldn't keep my eyes off of her Facebook page.” [19:21]
The hosts emphasize the relevance of Kat’s story in the context of excessive social media reliance and the deceptive facades individuals maintain online.
Personal Reflections: The Dark Side of Social Media
Throughout the episode, Chico reflects on his own use of social media, acknowledging the deception inherent in presenting a curated image to the public.
Chico states:
“Social media is based on deception. In the Brazilian version, I narrate how I had a bad fight with my husband and it was Valentine's Day... I wasn't talking to my husband when I posted a picture of the two of us kissing.” [21:58]
This introspection underscores the broader themes of authenticity and manipulation in digital interactions, paralleling Kat's exploitation of her followers.
Struggles to Interview Kat Torres
Despite numerous attempts, Chico and Fernanda faced challenges in securing an interview with Kat Torres. Legal hurdles and Kat’s fluctuating mental health made direct communication difficult.
Chico explains:
“Her lawyers always said she was not ready yet because she's not on the right medications.” [24:33]
Ultimately, the inability to secure an in-person interview led to the decision to proceed with the podcast series without Kat’s direct testimony, relying instead on her letters and the accounts of those close to her.
Final Thoughts: Perceptions of Kat Torres
In the concluding segments, Chico shares his nuanced perspective on Kat Torres, balancing respect for her achievements with condemnation of her manipulative actions.
Chico remarks:
“I do have a ton of respect for her because I don't think one might ignore where she came from. She was miserable... She was able to achieve so much with the little life she had.” [28:09]
However, he firmly states:
“I don't respect what she's done, but I respect her path to getting what she got.” [28:27]
Fernanda appreciates Chico's candid reflections, highlighting the complexity of Kat Torres as a “deeply flawed, fascinating person.”
Conclusion
Episode 8 of "Don't Cross Kat" masterfully intertwines the production journey with an in-depth analysis of Kat Torres' persona and actions. Through candid conversations, anecdotal evidence, and personal reflections, Chico Felitti and Fernanda Echeverri present a compelling narrative that not only explores Kat’s enigmatic life but also critiques the pervasive influence of social media in shaping modern identities.
Notable Quotes:
- “We’re still. On the upside.” – Chico Felitti [00:46]
- “She always taught people that they should manage to get control over other people through your beauty and through your youth.” – Chico Felitti [08:27]
- “I do have a ton of respect for her because I don't think one might ignore where she came from.” – Chico Felitti [28:09]
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