Was Adeline Watkins really Ed Gein’s girlfriend? Untangling truth from Netflix fiction

When it comes to true crime adaptations, one of the most compelling elements lies in the exploration of the killer’s private world—their relationships, their community ties, and the ways in which ordinary interactions mask darker realities. Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story, produced by Ryan Murphy, seizes this opportunity by spotlighting Gein’s alleged romance with his neighbor, Adeline Watkins. While the dramatization places their bond at the heart of the narrative, the real story behind their relationship is far more complicated—and marked by conflicting accounts.

Suzanna Son, a rising actress, takes on the role of Adeline Watkins in the series, positioned as a central figure opposite Charlie Hunnam’s unsettling portrayal of Ed Gein. Early reports even hinted at the role being “top-secret,” underscoring its importance in shaping how audiences interpret Gein’s psyche. But beyond Hollywood dramatization, what actually unfolded between the Plainfield murderer and his supposed longtime companion?

In 1957, a striking report in the Minneapolis Tribune (later republished in the Wisconsin State Journal) claimed that Watkins had shared a romantic relationship with Gein spanning over two decades. In the interview, she described him as “kind, sweet, and good,” noting that their dates involved movies, taverns, and even discussions about murders in the news. She also recalled that Gein had, in his own quiet way, proposed to her during their last date in 1955. Despite turning him down, Watkins admitted, “I loved him and I still do.” Her mother echoed these sentiments, describing Gein as polite and dependable.

These accounts painted a startlingly human portrait of a man who would later be remembered for unspeakable acts. They also added intrigue to the broader cultural fascination with Gein—offering a glimpse of tenderness against a backdrop of horror. But the story did not hold up for long.

Within weeks of the interview, Watkins herself began to distance from what she called “exaggerated” claims. In a later statement to the Stevens Point Journal, she retracted much of what was published, clarifying that her relationship with Gein had lasted less than a year, not 20. According to Watkins, Gein had only called on her occasionally for about seven months, during which they attended the local theater “a few times.” She also denied ever stepping inside his farmhouse—a place where authorities would later uncover grotesque evidence of his crimes, including human remains turned into household objects.

Watkins was adamant that she had not portrayed Gein as “sweet” or “loving,” insisting the earlier article had stretched her words beyond recognition. From her perspective, their connection was casual, intermittent, and far less meaningful than the press had portrayed. Importantly, Ed Gein himself never publicly commented on Watkins or their supposed romance.

This conflict between sensationalized reporting and Watkins’s later denials highlights a recurring theme in true crime: the blurry line between fact and narrative. Did journalists embellish her statements for shock value, or did Watkins later retract them out of fear and shame once Gein’s atrocities were revealed? The truth may never be fully known.

What is clear, however, is that Gein’s crimes cast a long shadow over even the most mundane aspects of his personal life. Whether Adeline Watkins was a great love, a passing acquaintance, or a reluctant participant in exaggerated storytelling, her story demonstrates how proximity to infamy can forever alter one’s own legacy. And in Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Ryan Murphy’s dramatization ensures that this ambiguous relationship remains a haunting chapter in America’s fascination with the macabre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ed Gein and Adeline Watkins

Was Adeline Watkins really Ed Gein’s girlfriend?
Reports from 1957 suggested that Adeline Watkins was in a long-term romantic relationship with Ed Gein, even claiming it lasted over 20 years. However, Watkins later retracted these claims, saying their relationship was brief—lasting only about seven months.

Did Ed Gein ever propose to Adeline Watkins?
In her initial interview, Watkins said Gein had quietly proposed during their last date in 1955. But she later dismissed this, clarifying that the reports exaggerated their relationship and that any suggestion of a proposal was overstated.

How did the media influence the story of Watkins and Gein?
The Minneapolis Tribune and Wisconsin State Journal amplified Watkins’s statements, presenting them as evidence of a decades-long romance. Within weeks, Watkins pushed back, accusing the press of misrepresentation and exaggeration.

Did Adeline Watkins ever visit Ed Gein’s farmhouse?
No. In her later retraction, Watkins stated clearly that she had never been inside Gein’s home. This is significant, given that the farmhouse became infamous for containing human remains and macabre objects crafted from body parts.

What did Ed Gein say about Adeline Watkins?
Ed Gein never publicly mentioned Watkins or acknowledged their relationship. All accounts about their connection come from Watkins herself or the press coverage of the time.

Why is their relationship important in Monster: The Ed Gein Story?
Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series emphasizes the Watkins relationship as a way of humanizing Gein and exploring his psyche. While this makes for compelling drama, the historical truth remains contested and far less dramatic than portrayed on screen.

Was Adeline Watkins in love with Ed Gein?
In her first interview, she admitted she “loved him and still did” despite rejecting his proposal. Later, she distanced herself from those remarks, suggesting the story was overblown. The truth likely lies somewhere between fleeting affection and media exaggeration.