Hot Coffee is a 2011 documentary directed by Susan Saladoff that delves into the infamous 1992 lawsuit where Stella Liebeck suffered severe burns after spilling McDonald’s coffee on herself. Contrary to popular belief, the film reveals that Liebeck’s injuries were life-threatening, and the case was misrepresented in the media as a frivolous lawsuit. Saladoff uses this case as a springboard to examine the broader implications of tort reform in the United States, highlighting how corporations have influenced public perception and legislation to limit individuals’ access to justice.

The documentary further explores cases like that of Jamie Leigh Jones, who faced significant legal hurdles after alleging sexual assault by coworkers, and the story of former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz, who was targeted by corporate interests. Through these narratives, Hot Coffee illustrates the erosion of the civil justice system and the increasing prevalence of mandatory arbitration clauses that often favor corporations over individuals. The film serves as a compelling critique of how media narratives and corporate lobbying have reshaped the legal landscape, often at the expense of everyday citizens seeking redress.