The Shocking Truth Behind Richard Sackler's Avoidance of Painkiller: Revealed by the Author

Summary

According to the author of the Painkiller book, it seems doubtful that Richard Sackler would have any inclination to watch the Painkiller series or be informed about it. This suggests his apparent absence of remorse concerning the opioid epidemic.

During the deposition, Sackler acknowledged that he had not read the agreed statement of facts to which his family's company had confessed guilt. This revelation exposed his apathy and absence of accountability. In Netflix's Painkiller series, Richard Sackler assumes the role of the primary antagonist, portraying one of the key individuals involved in the opioid crisis.

Barry Meier, author of Painkiller, sheds light on why Richard Sackler will never tune in to the Netflix drama that portrays him as the main antagonist. Based on Meier's book and a New Yorker article by Patrick Radden Keefe on the Sackler family, Painkiller is a six-episode series centered around the origins of the opioid crisis, with a particular focus on Purdue Pharma, the company owned by Sackler and his family that manufactured OxyContin. Starring Matthew Broderick as Sackler, the show portrays the Sacklers in a rightfully damning manner, highlighting their significant role in the crisis.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Meier discusses why Sackler has no interest in watching the Netflix series. Specifically asked if Sackler would be inclined to view Painkiller, Meier's response indicates that he doubts it and suggests that it's unlikely Sackler would even be informed about the show. Meier points out Sackler's lack of remorse regarding the epidemic, providing a specific example to underscore this viewpoint. Please see his quote below:

Absolutely not. He absolutely would not watch it, and I doubt he would even want to hear about it. In 2015, one of the states suing Purdue Pharma conducted a deposition with him. This was a company he was heavily involved in, which had already agreed to plead guilty to serious federal charges eight years prior. When a company makes such an agreement, they acknowledge their wrongdoing and accept a set of facts. During the deposition, the plaintiff's lawyer asked him if he had read the statement of facts that his family's company had agreed to plead guilty to. His answer was a firm no. This response speaks volumes about the kind of person he is.

What Happened To The Sackler Family & Purdue Pharma

Following the revelation of OxyContin's addictive side effects, Purdue found itself entangled in multiple lawsuits, ultimately leading to the Sackler family's declaration of Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019. Plagued by various scandals and settlements, the Sacklers managed to avoid criminal charges despite their significant role in promoting OxyContin, which tragically resulted in countless fatalities. Nevertheless, the Sackler legacy remains shrouded in uncertainty, especially in light of recent developments that eerily coincided with the emergence of Painkiller.

On August 10, the Supreme Court interrupted Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy agreement, coincidentally the same day Painkiller premiered on Netflix. This agreement was meant to shield the Sackler family from legal actions. The Supreme Court decided to postpone the deal until it addressed the appeal, with a possible ruling expected in 2024.

Regarding Richard Sackler, there is limited information about his current location. Peter Berg, the creator of Painkiller, mentioned that he was unable to contact the infamous family, who actively avoid public attention. Despite mixed reviews of the show, it plays a role in shedding light on truly villainous individuals and the devastating consequences they have contributed to.

Source: THR