The Rise of “Painkiller”: A Glimpse into the Opioid Epidemic
When Barry Meier’s riveting book was adapted into a six-episode Netflix drama, few anticipated the controversy that would ensue. The series, titled “Painkiller”, dives deep into the birth of the opioid epidemic, a crisis that has held America in its grip for decades. But more than the crisis itself, the series points fingers directly at the epicenter of the storm – Purdue Pharma, the manufacturing company behind OxyContin, and the Sackler family that owned it.
Matthew Broderick, in a commanding performance, brings Richard Sackler to life. But this portrayal isn’t a heroic or empathetic one. Instead, “Painkiller” showcases a more sinister side of Sackler and the role he, along with his family, played in exacerbating the opioid epidemic.
Richard Sackler’s Apparent Indifference
The Hollywood Reporter recently secured an interview with Barry Meier, the very man who shed light on the Sackler family’s involvement. Meier’s insights into Richard Sackler’s mindset were as enlightening as they were alarming. When posed with the question on whether Sackler might have watched the series, Meier replied:
“Absolutely not. He would absolutely not watch it, nor do I think he would want to be told about it… And I think that answer tells you everything you want or need to know about whom this individual is.”
Meier recalled a 2015 deposition of Sackler that was rather telling. Eight years after Purdue Pharma had pleaded guilty to significant federal charges, Sackler was asked if he had read the company’s agreed statement of facts. He hadn’t. This deposition not only paints a picture of an uninvolved and unrepentant Sackler but also deepens the enigma around the man who has become the face of the opioid crisis.
The Downfall and Current State of Purdue Pharma and The Sacklers
Purdue Pharma’s fall from grace began when the addictive consequences of OxyContin came under the scanner. Following several lawsuits and scandals, the Sackler family had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019. While Richard Sackler was at the helm of Purdue when OxyContin was aggressively marketed, he managed to evade criminal charges.
However, the shadows of the Sackler family’s past haven’t completely disappeared. In an interesting twist of fate, the Supreme Court announced a pause on Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy deal on the very day “Painkiller” premiered on Netflix. This deal, if approved, would shield the Sackler family from further lawsuits. But with the Supreme Court’s intervention, a final judgment is slated for 2024.
Richard Sackler’s current whereabouts remain a mystery. Attempts by “Painkiller’s” creator, Peter Berg, to contact the Sackler family were futile. Despite receiving mixed reviews, “Painkiller” serves as a somber reminder of the devastation brought about by the opioid crisis and the individuals who were complicit in its rise.
