But the truth ends there, for this show.
This is Oprah's version of the truth, the facts be damned. Oprah, joined by an initially small group of vocal activists, tried to cast doubt back in 2002, by questioning why the victim, Ms. Meili was alone in the park (the story of Oprah's interview is still available from the NYTimes).
I need to summarize the facts, as they are obfuscated in this series and are relevant as to why this should not be considered a worthy show. The true story is that the five perpetrators, together with approximately 25-30 others, ran amok inn the park, beating and robbing people at random, including at least one who was beaten unconscious with a metal rod. The five were convicted based on evidence and witness testimony (including testimony by their friends), as well as confessions. These convictions were later challenged by the defense, but the perpetrators themselves have repeatedly confirmed their participation and some have openly expressed regret.
The rape charges were based on confessions and testimony, but the police always maintained that there was another, unidentified at the time attacker. While Matias Reyes met with defense attorneys for the five and confessed before his death, medical and other evidence did not support his claim that he initiated the attack -- for example, according to the medical examiners Ms. Meili had injuries consistent with her being held down by multiple attackers. Based on testimony and the evidence, it is most likely that Ms. Meili was initially attacked by the group of young males (who may have tried to unsuccessfully rape her) and after they moved on, Matias Reyes came upon her and dragged her further into the bushes where he almost killed her.
Some of the sentences related to the rape charges were likely too harsh, based on reasonable doubt. But the five were not the innocents portrayed in "When They See Us."
The self-censorship (and some active censorship) on this topic are a regrettable part of our time and a reminder how divided America has become.
The rewriting of history, and the hounding of Ms. Fairstein by activists and part of the media, are both outright scary.
Enjoy the show, but keep in mind it is a show. It is far, far from the truth about what really happened.
This is Oprah's version of the truth, the facts be damned. Oprah, joined by an initially small group of vocal activists, tried to cast doubt back in 2002, by questioning why the victim, Ms. Meili was alone in the park (the story of Oprah's interview is still available from the NYTimes).
I need to summarize the facts, as they are obfuscated in this series and are relevant as to why this should not be considered a worthy show. The true story is that the five perpetrators, together with approximately 25-30 others, ran amok inn the park, beating and robbing people at random, including at least one who was beaten unconscious with a metal rod. The five were convicted based on evidence and witness testimony (including testimony by their friends), as well as confessions. These convictions were later challenged by the defense, but the perpetrators themselves have repeatedly confirmed their participation and some have openly expressed regret.
The rape charges were based on confessions and testimony, but the police always maintained that there was another, unidentified at the time attacker. While Matias Reyes met with defense attorneys for the five and confessed before his death, medical and other evidence did not support his claim that he initiated the attack -- for example, according to the medical examiners Ms. Meili had injuries consistent with her being held down by multiple attackers. Based on testimony and the evidence, it is most likely that Ms. Meili was initially attacked by the group of young males (who may have tried to unsuccessfully rape her) and after they moved on, Matias Reyes came upon her and dragged her further into the bushes where he almost killed her.
Some of the sentences related to the rape charges were likely too harsh, based on reasonable doubt. But the five were not the innocents portrayed in "When They See Us."
The self-censorship (and some active censorship) on this topic are a regrettable part of our time and a reminder how divided America has become.
The rewriting of history, and the hounding of Ms. Fairstein by activists and part of the media, are both outright scary.
Enjoy the show, but keep in mind it is a show. It is far, far from the truth about what really happened.