A new book traces the roots of the opioid crisis through the secretive Sackler family
The family behind the OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma was already under intense legal and public scrutiny when they learned in 2019 that comedian John Oliver was planning to do a segment about them on his show, “Last Week Tonight.” But being the target of a social commentary like Oliver’s struck a chord for at least one member of the Sackler family.
“This is my son’s favorite show,” Jacqueline Sackler wrote in an email at the time. “He watches it every week with all of his friends. This situation is destroying our work, our friendships, our reputation, and our ability to function in society. And worse, it dooms my children. How is my son supposed to apply to high school in September?”
