Laura Dern is set to star in a limited series about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, sparking criticism for what some call a tasteless dramatisation of the case. The project, executive produced by Adam McKay, will see Dern portray Miami Herald reporter Julie K Brown, who broke the story on Epstein's sex trafficking network.
The series, based on Brown's 2021 book Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story, is the first scripted take on the Epstein case. It will follow Brown's relentless investigation that identified 80 victims and led to the arrests of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Sharon Hoffman and Eileen Myers are attached as co-showrunners.
Brown's reporting exposed the secret plea deal between Epstein and federal prosecutors, leading to the resignation of then-Labour Secretary Alex Acosta. The fallout continues, with Prince Andrew arrested in England in February over his association with Epstein. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
The series, from Sony Pictures TV, is yet to find a buyer and has not entered production. Critics argue that turning the story into entertainment is insensitive to the victims.
