The Elusive Whereabouts of Richard Sackler: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Painkiller Controversy

The newest series, Painkiller, delves into the Purdue Pharma scandal and the opioid crisis in the US. Now streaming on Netflix, this article provides crucial information on Richard Sackler - his identity, notable achievements, and his current situation. In a similar fashion to the Hulu and HBO adaptations of the Candy Montgomery case, we now have two interpretations of the Purdue Pharma controversy and its devastating impact on the lives of numerous Americans.

In 2021, Hulu premiered the show Dopesick, featuring Michael Keaton and Kaitlyn Dever as ordinary individuals whose lives were upended by Purdue's aggressive OxyContin marketing tactics. Meanwhile, Michael Stuhlbarg portrayed the infamous Richard Sackler, the wealthy business tycoon and chairman of Purdue Pharma.

Now, it is Netflix's turn to delve into the story. The streaming platform's latest series, Painkiller, starring Matthew Broderick as the Sackler heir, has reignited curiosity about the real Richard Sackler. Many are left pondering: what became of Richard Sackler following the events of Painkiller, and where is he currently?

Painkiller: Where is Richard Sackler now?

At the age of 78, Richard Sackler currently resides in his luxurious $1.7 million residence in Boca Raton, Florida. In 2018, he sold his previous extravagant $30 million home. Richard, along with the rest of the Sackler family, is currently embroiled in a bankruptcy case that revolves around Purdue Pharma.

Richard and the wider Sackler family, who were responsible for the production and marketing of the highly addictive drug OxyContin as a non-addictive painkiller in the 1990s, have faced numerous lawsuits regarding their role in the opioid crisis. These lawsuits have been filed by individuals, states, and local governments, alleging that Purdue's marketing practices have contributed to widespread addiction and fatalities.

Creative CommonsDr Richard Sackler during a 2015 deposition

During its prime, OxyContin brought the Sackler family tremendous wealth. However, in September 2019, Purdue had to declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to numerous lawsuits it faced. As part of a proposed settlement, the Sacklers were required to relinquish control of the company, resulting in its transformation into a public trust.

Yet, the case remains ongoing and is rife with complications. In June of this year, the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York endorsed a deal that mandated the Sacklers, including Richard, to contribute $6 billion – more than half their estimated fortune – towards combating the opioid epidemic.

The Sackler families express in a statement that they view the implementation of this resolution as crucial in terms of providing significant resources for individuals and communities in need. Nevertheless, opponents argue that the agreement would advance their bankruptcy proceedings and offer them protection from future civil lawsuits related to OxyContin, ultimately benefiting the Sackler family.

Considering these factors, the $6 billion settlement has been blocked and put on hold by the Supreme Court this week. Instead, a hearing case with arguments scheduled to commence in December has been set up. Ultimately, the focus of the decision will be on whether the Sacklers can utilize the Purdue bankruptcy case to absolve themselves from any future lawsuits pertaining to their actions that resulted in societal harm.

The history of Purdue Pharma: Who are the Sackler family?

Undoubtedly, numerous families affected by the devastating consequences of OxyContin and the opioid crisis strongly oppose the idea of providing Richard Sackler and his relatives with extensive protection. Moreover, they find it profoundly unsatisfactory that he continues to enjoy a life of opulence, despite downsizing from his previous vast fortune.

Richard is a member of the Sacklers, a well-known American family recognized for their philanthropic actions, as well as their ownership and participation in Purdue Pharma, the pharmaceutical company infamous for manufacturing and promoting the highly addictive painkiller OxyContin. Explored in Netflix's Painkiller, the family initially ventured into the pharmaceutical sector with the acquisition of a small company called Purdue Frederick in the 1950s, spearheaded by three Sackler brothers – Arthur, Mortimer, and Raymond. Throughout the years, with the Sacklers at the helm, the company flourished and transformed, eventually becoming Purdue Pharma.

Arthur Sackler, one of the three controversial Sackler pharma dynasty patriarchs, with Richard, the son of Raymond, who has held various positions in the firm throughout the years, including vice president, senior vice president, and president. However, he gained fame for spearheading the development and marketing of OxyContin, where he persistently promoted the false notion of the painkiller's non-addictive nature, even though it is widely known to be the opposite.

OxyContin was initially touted as having a reduced risk for abuse due to its timed-release formula. However, it quickly became evident that the drug was susceptible to abuse, resulting in addiction, overdose, and even death. Purdue Pharma's launch and subsequent promotion of OxyContin was a significant period of financial growth for the company.

Critics argue that under the Sacklers' leadership, Purdue Pharma played a pivotal role in the US opioid epidemic by using aggressive marketing techniques and downplaying the addiction risks associated with OxyContin. Publicly disclosed emails and other internal documents from litigation suggest that Richard Sackler was well aware of the painkiller's potential for abuse, yet still insisted on promoting its sales.

In an infamous email dated 2001, Sackler's response to reports of OxyContin abuse was to emphasize the importance of vigorously tackling the abusers. He asserted that they were the ones to blame for the problem, referring to them as reckless criminals, and implying that the drug itself was not the issue.

Purdue and the Sacklers have been confronted with numerous lawsuits in relation to their involvement in the opioid crisis. In 2007, Purdue Frederick, an affiliate of Purdue Pharma, admitted guilt in intentionally misinforming the public about the addictive nature and abuse potential of OxyContin. Consequently, the company agreed to a settlement of $600 million in fines and other forms of payment, marking it as one of the largest pharmaceutical settlements in US history. However, the Sackler family evaded personal liability for their actions, causing significant public anger.

Richard and the Sackler family opted to withdraw from the public spotlight following the controversy. Numerous institutions, such as museums and universities, which previously benefitted from Sackler philanthropy, either distanced themselves from the family or faced external pressure to sever ties.

Dopesick and Painkiller shed light on the untold story of the Sacklers, revealing their hidden actions and providing a sense of justice to numerous victims. These books not only raise awareness about the individuals responsible but also uncover the profound impact their actions have had on communities across America.

Painkiller is now available for streaming on Netflix. For more information on the series, including updates on Glen's storyline and the possibility of a Season 2, click here. You can also find the cast members listed here, along with our other coverage of Netflix shows:

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