Truthiness: In the film Cheryl's character is portrayed as a drunken, high young adult who is looking for trouble. In the movie she had drinks before going to bar as well as at the bar. Not only did they find her blood alcohol level as "legally drunk" they also found marajuana in her system.
Truth: In reality, however, she had just celebrated her daughters third birthday. After her daughters were put to bed she went to buy a pack of cigarettes. "Her usual spots were closed, so she walked into a neighborhood tavern. Inside the bar, Araujo bought a drink. She talked to a woman, showing off pictures of her daughters. She played a song on the jukebox. She watched two men play pool." (Paul Edward Parker)
Truthiness: In the movie, Sarah Tobias was at the bar because she had gotten into a fight with boyfriend. She went to the bar intending to blow off steam, talk to one of her girlfriends, relax, and drink. Sarah even mentions to her friend at the bar that "she should have sex with another guy in front of her boyfriend".
Truth: In reality, Cheryl went to the bar, Big Dan's Tavern, to buy a pack of cigaretts. “Ms. Araujo testified she had gone to Big Dan's to buy cigarettes. She stopped to talk with a woman and show off pictures of her daughters. She bought a drink, played a song on a jukebox and watched two men play pool.” (Zuckoff)
Truthiness: In the movie, the three rapists were charged with Reckless Endangerment, which is 2 1/2- 5 years in prison, and the three onlookers with criminal solicitation.
Truth: In the end, four of the six Big Dan’s defendants were found guilty of aggravated rape, receiving prison terms between six to 12 years. The most any of them served was 6½ years. Two others were acquitted.