Hearst released a lengthy statement today accusing Jeffrey Toobin of writing an unauthorized book, American Heiress, that “romanticizes my rape and torture and calls my abduction a ‘rollicking adventure.’” Hearst’s statement prompted 20th Century Fox to cancel a movie project based on the book. But Toobin also serves as executive producer of The Radical Story of Patty Hearst, premiering Feb. 11 on CNN. “This six-part documentary series includes unprecedented access to Patty's lovers, comrades and confidants,” according to a description on CNN’s website. “The series explores who Patty Hearst really is: victim or villain?” Citing the #MeToo movement, Hearst wrote that she is “saddened and appalled that Fox 2000 agreed to finance and produce a movie based on Toobin’s book (with a similarly themed screenplay, also written by men) and that CNN has agreed to continue to perpetuate a one-sided dialogue romanticizing my torture and rape by hosting a podcast and docuseries through Toobin’s distorted lens. I refuse to give Jeffrey Toobin, 21st Century Fox, CNN or anyone else involved in these projects about my life the power to make me a victim again, or the power to provide a platform where victim blaming is ok.”
TOPICS: CNN, The Radical Story of Patty Hearst, Jeffrey Toobin, Patricia Hearst, Cable News, Documentaries, Sexual Misconduct