In newly released emails, former Purdue president takes aim at opioid addicts
HEALTH :: by JENNA CARLESSO | MAY 7, 2019
Richard Sackler, the former president of Purdue Pharma, doubled down on blaming addicts for the opioid crisis driven in part by his companys product, calling drug users victimizers and saying they are responsible for their own fate, according to emails released Tuesday by the state Attorney Generals office.
Abusers arent victims; they are victimizers, Sackler wrote to an acquaintance in 2001. The receiver of that email, who was not identified, noted in another correspondence: Abusers die, well that is the choice they made. I doubt a single one didnt know of the risks.
Those previously redacted emails were made public Tuesday and are part of Attorney General William Tongs expanded complaint against Purdue, Sackler, other members of his family and former members of Purdues board of directors. Portions of the states lawsuit were initially kept secret under a federal judges order. Connecticut has since obtained permission to release the records.
In an email exchange with the same acquaintance in 2001, the acquaintance wrote to Sackler: You know what the general ignorant public will say, do away with the drug!! Blame the manufactures (sic), Drs., pharmacist, but NEVER NEVER THE CRIMINAL, HE/SHE, (to be politically correct) is never to blame. Give me a break, lest I THROW UP! The whole thing is a sham and if people die because they abuse it then good riddance.
Sackler replied: Unfortunately, when Im ambushed by 60 Minutes, I cant easily get this concept across. Calling drug addicts scum of the earth will guarantee that I become the poster child for liberals who want to do just want (sic) to distribute the blame to someone else, as you say.
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