Deception expert analyzes Elizabeth Holmes' use of 'paltering' in new documentary

Communication scholar Nick Brody, who teaches a course on lying and deception at the University of Puget Sound, examined the documentary "You Can See Everything" in a TikTok video, suggesting that Elizabeth Holmes may have used "paltering" – stating true facts while intending to mislead. Brody explained that language is arbitrary and that speakers can exploit this to create false impressions, a concept he linked to Holmes' claim that Theranos' technology "can" run any test. He noted that Holmes might have left out crucial information about the technology's reliability, thereby shaping a misleading narrative.

Brody described paltering as a recognized form of deception identified by researchers at Harvard and Wharton, often employed in marketing and tech demonstrations. He cited examples such as early iPhone demos and a recent Tesla Roadster prototype that briefly flew, highlighting how partial truths can generate excitement without full disclosure.

The documentary, directed by Nathan Fielder, captures Holmes' final weeks before reporting to prison in 2023 and includes reenactments featuring actress Amanda Seyfried. Fielder remarked that Holmes sometimes appeared genuine, yet he remained uncertain about her honesty, noting disagreements with his co-director about interpreting her behavior.

Brody emphasized that the film taps into broader post-truth anxieties, referencing declining trust in journalism, science, and the courts. He said the documentary resonates amid upcoming elections and the rise of AI, where distinguishing authentic content from fabricated material has become increasingly challenging.

Holmes maintains her innocence, and her partner Billy Evans is now leading a blood-testing startup that has patents and investors but no product. Holmes is scheduled to move to a halfway house in Texas in August 2027.