Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Hollywood Abuse Claims, Clemency, and a Digestive Tour
Allegations of child sexual abuse emerge from Hollywood, clemency for prisoners, a tour of our digestive systems, and the story of Nathaniel Ayers.
By Madeleine Brand • • 51m ListenWe take a look at allegations of child sexual abuse that are rocking Hollywood. We also discuss the White House’s new initiative to expand the use of clemency for prisoners serving long, mandatory sentences for nonviolent drug crimes. Plus, Mary Roach joins the show to discuss her new book that takes us on a fascinating tour of our digestive systems. And L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez offers an update in the story of Nathaniel Ayers, the brilliant musician whose schizophrenia led him to a life on the streets.
Banner Image: Plaintiff Michael Egan attends a news conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, California April 17, 2014. Egan filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against director Bryan Singer, accusing him of drugging and raping him in California and Hawaii in the late 1990s. Singer's attorney, Marty Singer, called the claims "without merit" and "absurd and defamatory." REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
In this episode
4 storiesHollywood Sex Abuse
Allegations of child sexual abuse are rocking Hollywood. A man has filed lawsuits claiming that he was drugged and raped by a number of power players in the late ‘90’s when he was still under age.
Read the story12 minClemency
The White House announced a new initiative to expand the President’s use of clemency, particularly for prisoners serving long mandatory sentences for nonviolent drug crimes. The Justice Department has strict guidelines for reviewing some of those cases for possible Presidential clemency.
Read the story14 minGulp
A lovingly sketched and thoroughly researched biography has just come out in paperback. It is a portrait of a dark highway, a story that starts with an aroma and also ends with an aroma; a journey through humanity, a trip through ourselves. Gulp : Adventures on the Alimentary Canal, is the latest scientific foray by Mary Roach.
Read the story14 minNathaniel Ayers and the Issue of Forced Medication
Nathaniel Ayers is the brilliant, mentally ill musician who was living on the streets in L.A. for many years. L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez has been writing about him for years, including in his book The Soloist , which was turned into a movie starring Jamie Foxx as Ayers.
Read the story8 min
