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Netflix Documentary 'Con Mum' Reveals Pastry Chef's Ordeal with Fraudulent Biological Mother

Graham Hornigold shares his story of financial and emotional manipulation by his biological mother, Dionne, in a newly released documentary highlighting familial exploitation and mental health struggles.

  • Graham Hornigold, a renowned pastry chef, was contacted in 2020 by Dionne, who claimed to be his long-lost biological mother after 45 years of separation.
  • Dionne fabricated claims of terminal illness and immense wealth, manipulating Hornigold into covering her lavish lifestyle and leaving him over £100,000 in debt.
  • The deception caused significant personal harm, including the breakdown of Hornigold's marriage and estrangement from his son, who now lives in New Zealand with his mother.
  • Dionne returned to Malaysia in 2021 and has not faced criminal charges, as her actions were deemed a 'bad business decision' rather than fraud by authorities.
  • The Netflix documentary 'Con Mum,' released on March 25, 2025, explores Hornigold's ordeal and aims to raise awareness about the psychological impact of familial scams and the importance of mental health.
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