Podcaster Apologizes After Lindsay Clancy Betting Ad Draws Criticism

The Lindsay Clancy case captured international attention after the Massachusetts mother was accused of killing her three young children in January 2023. Amid intense public interest, prediction site Polymarket opened event contracts that allowed its users to wager on the outcome of the case.

Now, podcaster Amanda Hirsch is publicly apologizing after promoting Polymarket in connection with the high-profile case, drawing criticism over the advertisement.

After a week of deliberations, the jury in the Lindsay Clancy trial could not unanimously agree on a verdict, leading the judge to declare a mistrial, per The Blast.

Shortly after the verdict was announced, “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast host Amanda Hirsch took to her social media accounts to post an ad for Polymarket, a prediction market where users can trade shares based on the outcome of real-world events. The site offers a variety of markets, including politics and sports.

In the post, Hirsch promoted Polymarket, adding the caption, “On Polymarket it was predicted the verdict would be Not Guilty. Are you surprised? #Polymarketpartner.” The post has since been deleted, but screenshots circulated on social media and sparked immediate backlash.

Amanda Hirsch Apologizes Over Bad Judgment

Hirsch, who talks about celebrity news and pop culture on her podcast, followed the Clancy case and even talked about postpartum depression on her Instagram. “Whatever you believe about this case, I hope it forces a much bigger conversation about how we care for mothers before and after they give birth,” she wrote in late August.

On September 6, Hirsch posted an apology, saying that talking about the case in her Polymarket brand partnership post was “insensitive, wrong, and out of character.”

She continued to say that as a mother, she was deeply affected by the case and followed the trial. However, she claims to have “lost perspective,” leading her to post the “grossly inappropriate” ad.

“I made a terrible judgment call, and I feel so f-cking awful about that,” adding that deleting her post may not erase what she did, but she is genuinely apologetic.

Lindsay Clancy Event Contracts Are Still On Polymarket

Before the Clancy trial ended, Polymarket opened an event contract, allowing its users to bet whether Clancy will be convicted of murder. According to reports, wagers reached more than $160,000 before the mistrial.

The platform has been criticized for some of its markets, which many say capitalize on tragic events, such as the Clancy case. Other markets allow users to bet on nuclear explosion risks, natural disasters, and military actions, to name a few.

After the mistrial, there are still a few Clancy markets on the platform. One event contract allows users to wager on when she will be convicted of murder by December 31, 2026, or December 31, 2027.

What Will Happen To Lindsay Clancy After The Mistrial?

Clancy remains charged with three counts of murder and will remain held in a psychiatric facility while the case is unresolved.

After court ended on September 4, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz talked to reporters and said “no decisions” have been made in regard to pursuing a retrial, as reported by The Blast.

There are a few legal paths moving forward. The DA’s office could choose to go to trial a second time with a new set of jury members. The prosecution could also offer a plea bargain to Clancy to avoid another lengthy trial. They could also choose to dismiss the case, though experts believe that it’s an unlikely outcome.

Both sides will next appear in court on September 29 for a status hearing.

A Fundraiser Was Created For Lindsay Clancy’s Parents

A GoFundMe campaign was set up for Clancy’s parents, Mike and Paula Musgrove, in mid-August to cover their travel and living expenses while they support their daughter during the trial.

Following the mistrial, the fundraising goal was increased to $3 million. The organizer, Brandee Mulligan, noted that the new amount will cover more costs for Mike and Paul as they continue to be present for Clancy amid the ongoing case.

As of writing, the campaign has raised $1.2 million for the Musgroves.