Tragic Story: The Murder of a Beauty Queen

Obsession: Murder of a Beauty Queen, set to premiere on Dec. 17 on HBO Max, delves into the life and tragic death of Agnieszka Kotlarska, a talented young model who captured hearts in Poland in the early 1990s. The documentary sheds light on how her rise from a local beauty queen to an international fashion icon was marred by a man whose unhealthy fixation turned deadly.

Agnieszka Kotlarska’s Story:

Born in Wrocław, Poland, in 1972, Agnieszka Kotlarska made waves in the local modeling scene as a teenager. By 17, she had signed with a local agency and quickly skyrocketed to fame. Winning titles such as Miss Wrocław in 1990, Miss Poland in 1991, and eventually, becoming the first Polish winner of the Miss International pageant in Tokyo later that same year, she was well on her way to global recognition. Kotlarska’s modeling career took her to renowned fashion capitals like New York, Milan, and Paris, where she collaborated with esteemed designers and graced the pages of Vogue and Cosmopolitan editions worldwide.

In 1996, juggling motherhood, a blossoming career, and plans for a future in film, Kotlarska was viewed as one of Poland’s most promising talents.

The Stalker:

Jerzy Lisiewski, a man fixated on Kotlarska since her teenage years, became increasingly obsessed with her throughout the early 1990s. Despite her rejections, his pursuits grew more intense over time. Even when she moved abroad for work, he continued to write her letters, going as far as proposing marriage in one of them, a gesture she likely never saw.

A Narrow Escape:

In July 1996, Kotlarska narrowly avoided tragedy when she changed her travel plans to Paris. Her original route, which would have taken her on TWA Flight 800 from New York to Paris, ended in disaster when the plane exploded over Long Island, killing all passengers on board, including the photographers awaiting her in Paris.

The Day of the Murder:

Tragedy struck on Aug. 27, 1996, when Lisiewski confronted Kotlarska and her family outside their home. A violent altercation ensued, resulting in the fatal stabbing of Kotlarska. Lisiewski was convicted, sentenced to 15 years, released in 2012, and arrested again in 2014 for another violent offense.

Kotlarska’s Legacy:

Kotlarska’s untimely death sparked discussions in Poland about stalking, gender-based violence, and the need for protective legislation. The documentary also reopens these conversations nearly three decades later.

Stalking Laws and Kotlarska’s Impact:

In response to the dangers victims face, the Agnieszka Kotlarska Foundation, or “AGA,” was established in 2022. The foundation’s “Oasis of Peace” initiative offers survivors counseling, psychological support, and self-defense training in a safe space. By honoring Kotlarska’s memory and addressing harassment, AGA aims to empower those affected and continue the fight against stalking.