Guru: Don't Cross Kat - Episode Summary: "The One Who Got Away" (Episode 7)
In the seventh episode of Wondery's gripping series Guru: Don't Cross Kat, titled "The One Who Got Away," journalist Chico Felitti delves deep into the harrowing experience of Leticia Tupinoba, a young woman who narrowly escaped becoming one of Kat Torres' victims. This episode uncovers the manipulative tactics of Kat Torres, a modern-day influencer whose facade of perfection masks a dark and dangerous underbelly.
1. Introduction to Leticia Tupinoba’s Story
Chico Felitti opens the episode by introducing Leticia Tupinoba, a pivotal figure whose near-enslavement by Kat Torres nearly ended tragically. Leticia’s willingness to share her story provides a rare glimpse into the psychological manipulation orchestrated by Kat, making this episode a crucial addition to the series' exploration of influence and control.
Notable Quote:
"I almost became one of Kat's victims."
– Chico Felitti (02:16)
2. Discovering Kat Torres Online
Leticia recounts her first encounter with Kat Torres through Instagram memes. Initially, Kat presented herself as a relatable figure through disheveled and emotive images paired with humorous captions, which appealed to many followers without revealing her true identity.
Key Points:
- Initial Attraction: Leticia was drawn to Kat's meme page, which cleverly portrayed her as an ordinary person struggling with emotions.
- Realization of Authenticity: Upon discovering that Kat was a real person and a life coach, Leticia's interest deepened.
Notable Quotes:
"It was through her meme page on Instagram."
– Leticia Tupinoba (02:32)
"She's a model. Okay, nice. And she's a life coach. That is interesting."
– Leticia Tupinoba (03:10)
3. Building a Connection: Follow-Up and Consultations
After a year of following Kat’s content, Leticia decided to engage more personally by purchasing consultations. Kat positioned herself as a problem-solver, offering solutions to Leticia's personal and academic struggles.
Key Points:
- Consultation Services: Leticia paid between $100 to $150 per session, a significant amount considering Brazil’s minimum wage.
- Personal Struggles: Leticia was dealing with relationship issues and an existential crisis regarding her studies in petroleum engineering.
- Manipulative Advice: Kat encouraged Leticia to abandon her engineering career, subtly steering her towards becoming an influencer.
Notable Quotes:
"She would solve your problems."
– Leticia Tupinoba (04:12)
"She said that I shouldn't be a study engineer at all. I shouldn't work with my beauty or be an influencer on Instagram."
– Leticia Tupinoba (07:09)
4. The Proposition: Moving to Texas and the Alien Bath
Kat Torres extended an enticing yet sinister offer to Leticia: relocate to Texas to work as a sugar baby, contributing all earnings to Kat’s projects. This proposition was couched in spiritual and mystical terms, including participation in an "alien bath" ritual intended to manipulate Leticia's energy and ensure compliance.
Key Points:
- Financial Manipulation: Kat offered accommodation and a role in her Airbnb project in exchange for Leticia’s earnings.
- Alien Bath Ritual: This ritual involved witchcraft practices meant to empower and bind Leticia to Kat’s will.
- Pressure to Comply: The combination of spiritual manipulation and financial demands made it difficult for Leticia to resist.
Notable Quotes:
"I couldn't even answer her back because she sounded so crazy right now."
– Leticia Tupinoba (14:43)
"How am I gonna get the fuck out of here?"
– Leticia Tupinoba (14:43)
5. Escaping Kat’s Grip
Despite the intense manipulation, Leticia managed to extricate herself from Kat’s influence. She describes feeling shocked and scared by Kat’s coercive tactics but found the strength to sever ties, largely thanks to her supportive family and personal resilience.
Key Points:
- Financial Demands: Upon relocating, Kat demanded an exorbitant $7,000 for the alien bath, signaling her true intent to exploit Leticia financially.
- Support System: Leticia's close relationship with her parents played a crucial role in her ability to escape.
- Self-Realization: Recognizing the façade of Kat’s online persona, Leticia understood the deceptive nature of influencers who showcase only curated aspects of their lives.
Notable Quotes:
"I got happy. Thank God she's where she deserves but I hope she gets more time because I don't think eight years is enough of everything she did."
– Leticia Tupinoba (22:39)
"I feel like, this is crazy. But I think now I feel grateful and I want to help."
– Leticia Tupinoba (19:50)
6. Reflection and Lessons Learned
In reflecting on her ordeal, Leticia emphasizes the dangers of blind trust in social media influencers and the importance of critical thinking and professional mental health support. She advocates for greater awareness of the deceptive practices employed by individuals like Kat Torres.
Key Points:
- Critical Awareness: Leticia urges listeners to recognize that the seemingly perfect lives portrayed online often omit the darker realities.
- Mental Health Support: She highlights the necessity of seeking advice from qualified professionals rather than relying solely on influencers.
- Empowerment: Leticia's story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for manipulation within the influencer-follower dynamic.
Notable Quotes:
"People need to be more aware what is going on, especially in social media, when people pretend they have the life they don't have and they're gonna help you. And actually they don't want to help you at all. They just want your money."
– Leticia Tupinoba (19:50)
"I use it more just to spend my time, like, not to fall on everything. But it's more like, okay, there's good advice."
– Leticia Tupinoba (21:39)
7. Conclusion: Moving Forward
Leticia concludes her testimony by expressing relief and gratitude for escaping Kat Torres’ manipulative influence. She remains vigilant against similar threats and continues to advocate for truth and transparency in the influencer space.
Key Points:
- Gratitude: Leticia is thankful for her ability to leave Kat's influence and for the support system that aided her escape.
- Advocacy: She intends to raise awareness about the potential dangers lurking behind curated social media personas.
- Personal Growth: Now focusing on her mental and physical well-being with the help of professionals, Leticia has moved past her traumatic experience.
Notable Quote:
"I feel grateful that I didn't go through this and I had my family support."
– Leticia Tupinoba (19:50)
Episode Takeaways: "The One Who Got Away" is a compelling exploration of the dark side of influencer culture, illustrating how individuals like Kat Torres can exploit followers' vulnerabilities for personal gain. Leticia Tupinoba's harrowing experience underscores the need for critical engagement with online content and the importance of seeking professional support when navigating personal challenges. This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly perfect online personas and the resilience required to break free from such manipulative influences.
Produced by: Andres Caballero
Senior Producer: Fernanda Echafari
Additional Production Assistance: Beatriz Trevisa, Elizabeth Lowenthal Torres
Theme Song: Mariana Romano
Sound Supervisor: Marcelino Vialpondo
Executive Producers for Wondery: Russell Finch, George Lavender Marshall Louie, Jen Sargent