LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
On Tuesday, 19 year-old Ashley Grills, who was involved in the Myspace hoax that allegedly led to the October 2006 suicide of Megan Meier, confessed to her participation on Good Morning America.
Ashley Grills also stated during the interview that Lori Drew was much more involved in the hoax than she is admitting. Grills stated that Lori Drew said it was a "a good idea" when Drew's daughter and Grills suggested they invent a fake Myspace profile to spy on Meier via Myspace to see if she was gossiping about Drew's daughter.
Good Morning America: Who said, "Let's go online?"
Grills: Umm, that was me and her daughter. And then she said, "That's a good idea."
GMA: Lori Drew said that? So she was in from the beginning? No doubt in your mind?
Grills: No doubt
GMA: Then who created the character?
Grills: Me.
Ashley Grills confessed to finding the photo that was used for "Josh" and and creating the fake profile. She admitted to sending some of the messages to Megan, but purports that Lori Drew also sent messages "a couple of times -- when we didn't know what to say."
Lori Drew previously released an official statement through her attorney contending that although she was aware of the Myspace messages and comments, she not send any herself, nor did she ask anyone else to send any messages on her behalf.
Good Morning America: So you go on, and you're typing, and you're going back and forth, but it's fairly innocent. Then it starts to get nasty.
Grills: Mmmhmm
GMA: Nasty messages.
Grills: Yes
GMA: Then there's finally a really nasty message. Do you remember?
Grills: Yes
GMA: What did it say?
Gills: The world would be a better place without you
GMA: Who wrote that?
Gills: I did. I was trying to get her angry so she would leave him alone, and I could get rid of the whole Myspace.
GMA: So you wanted to end it?
Gills: Yeah.
Ashley Grills also stated during the Good Morning America interview that after Megan Meier's suicide by hanging, Lori Drew instructed her to shut down the Myspace account and to keep quiet.
When Good Morning America contacted the Drews' attorney, the attorney said that they stand by their original statement.
The Associated Press was unable to get any comment from the Lori Drew camp, "Drew's attorney, Jim Briscoe, did not return a phone message left Tuesday by The Associated Press."
During the televised interview, Ashley Grills expressed her guilt and regret. She discussed the aftermath of their exposure last October and the public backlash against her and the Drews.
Good Morning America: People said they don't understand it. Who could be so cruel? Who's to blame?
Grills: I guess I am, I mean I'm partially to blame. They're partially to blame
GMA: What to do you want people to know about you?
Grills: That I'm not heartless. I did know what I did and I take responsibility for it every day.
ABC News reported that Grills had been granted immunity in exchange for testimony in California. Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles, told The Associated Press on Tuesday he could not comment.
Previous LAist Posts:
Myspace Suicide Case Raises Legal Questions
The Meanest Blog in the Entire World
Watch the Good Morning America Video:
AP Photo