Hollywood Thriller Inspired by Real-Life Celebrity Facialist’s Murder-for-Hire Case
A celebrity facialist’s murder-for-hire saga has been transformed into a gripping Hollywood thriller, bringing a sensational yet haunting story to the big screen. The film’s portrayal of the real-life ordeal faced by esthetician DaLuise has captivated audiences, but it also revisits her traumatic past, as she revealed in a recent CNN interview.
DaLuise, now 65, had a thriving Hollywood clinic, Skin Refinery, where she treated A-list clients like Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Known for her “galvanic” facials—using electrical currents to enhance beauty products—DaLuise built a prominent media profile and launched her own skincare line. However, her life took a dark turn when she became embroiled in a series of disturbing events that closely mirror the plot of the film.
The movie portrays Goodman, a character inspired by DaLuise, who faces a public relations nightmare after an explicit email from her account is sent to her entire contact list. As her reputation crumbles, she watches her clients flock to her rival’s booming salon. In a desperate attempt to reclaim control, Goodman buys a gun for self-defense and follows her rival home, only to find herself in a tangled web of intrigue and suspicion.
In reality, DaLuise faced her own set of harrowing experiences. Along with receiving threatening texts and having her tires slashed, she was subjected to unwanted calls and false Craigslist ads suggesting she was seeking men for sexual encounters. She became convinced that her rival, Gabriel Suarez, was behind the harassment—a belief that added to her stress and confusion.
In March 2014, DaLuise was arrested and accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against Suarez. The accusation stemmed from a text message she sent to a friend, Edward Feinstein, in which she allegedly said she had found someone to “take Gabriel out.” DaLuise described the message as a moment of “venting,” not a serious threat.
The case against her unraveled quickly. Former NFL player Chris Geile, the alleged hitman, testified that he had no real connection to DaLuise and had never been asked to kill Suarez. The jury acquitted her within an hour, but the ordeal left her in prison for ten months, during which she developed colorectal cancer. DaLuise later sued the LA Sheriff’s Department for wrongful imprisonment and settled with the county for failing to diagnose her cancer.
The real culprits behind the harassment were revealed to be Feinstein and Nick Prugo, a member of the infamous “Bling Ring.” Both were sentenced to community service and probation for stalking, but the true motive behind their actions remains unclear. Feinstein and Prugo were also accused of posting an ad soliciting men to visit DaLuise’s home for sexual assault, though this charge was dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Despite the film’s acclaim, DaLuise expressed disappointment over not being consulted during its production. She felt the film missed key aspects of her story and has contemplated legal action against the studio, IFC Films. Nevertheless, DaLuise has adopted a pragmatic approach, focusing on using the renewed interest in her case to push for a documentary that will offer a more accurate portrayal of her experiences.
As she prepares to release her own documentary, DaLuise hopes to provide a detailed account that contrasts sharply with the movie’s dramatic, yet partial, retelling. Her journey from wrongful accusation to vindication remains a powerful reminder of the complexities and consequences of living under the public eye.
