Sackler family

The Sackler Family: A Tale of Wealth and Controversy

Imagine a family that once seemed untouchable, now facing the harsh realities of their actions. The Sacklers, an American dynasty with roots in Brooklyn, have seen their name tarnished by lawsuits over the opioid epidemic. How did they go from being pioneers in medication techniques to becoming synonymous with reputational damage?

The Rise and Fall

Arthur, Mortimer, and Raymond Sackler were early innovators in the medical field. Arthur became a trailblazer in medical advertising, while Raymond and Mortimer ran Purdue Pharma. Their company, known for its OxyContin, played a significant role in the opioid crisis that has devastated communities across America. How could such a family, once celebrated for their contributions to medicine, now be seen as ‘addicted to money’?

Donations and Reputational Damage

The Sackler family’s name became associated with reputational damage due to their involvement in OxyContin and the opioid crisis. Donations from the family were rejected or removed from institutions such as museums and universities, including the National Portrait Gallery, Tate galleries, NYU Langone Medical Center, American Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim Museum, Louvre in Paris, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

NYU Langone Medical Center changed its institute’s name after rejecting donations, while the Sackler name was removed from galleries at the Louvre. The Metropolitan Museum of Art also announced it would remove the Sackler name from its locations. These actions reflect a broader shift in public perception and the consequences of their involvement in the opioid crisis.

Legal Battles and Settlements

A lawsuit was brought against eight family members and other entities, alleging their role in the opioid crisis. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Utah, and more than 500 counties, cities, and Native American tribes filed suits. The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, are accused of being ‘addicted to money’ and having an ‘impervious to genuine moral epiphany.’ The family’s wealth, particularly Richard Sackler’s, is seen as undeserving due to its connection to the opioid crisis.

In 2021, Purdue Pharma filed a restructuring plan to dissolve itself in exchange for immunity from criminal prosecutions. However, this proposal was met with opposition from state attorneys general. A settlement was reached where the Sacklers agreed to pay $4.5 billion over nine years, mostly funding addiction treatment. The case has seen multiple court rulings, including an initial ruling that gave the Sacklers immunity in civil liability cases, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court pending oral argument.

The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately overturned the settlement in a 5-4 decision, leaving the future of the Sackler family’s legal battles uncertain.

The Sackler family’s journey from pioneers in medication techniques to facing legal and reputational challenges is a complex tale. Their story serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with immense wealth and influence, especially when it intersects with public health crises.