cover of episode Justina Pelletier Part 2 with Beau Berman

Justina Pelletier Part 2 with Beau Berman

2024/10/24
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Nobody Should Believe Me

Key Insights

Why did Beau Berman decide to cover the Justina Pelletier case?

Berman saw potential for a captivating story with life-and-death consequences, parental rights, government involvement, and possible overreach.

How did Beau Berman first learn about the Justina Pelletier case?

A meteorologist friend at the station mentioned it to him, suggesting it might be a good story.

What challenges did Beau Berman face in covering the Justina Pelletier case?

Legal concerns, pushback from his TV station, and the complexity of the case requiring frequent trips to Boston.

How did Beau Berman handle the imbalance in information between the Pelletier family and the hospital?

He sought third-party comments and reached out to the hospital multiple times, giving them ample opportunity to respond.

What was Beau Berman's impression of the Pelletier family?

They were intense, disorganized, and sometimes unethical in their communications, but also kind and trusting.

How did Beau Berman's understanding of the case evolve over time?

His opinion fluctuated daily, and he remained uncertain about who was right or wrong, even after the trial.

What did Beau Berman find most compelling during the trial?

The testimony of an expert witness who detailed Justina's negative test results for mitochondrial disorder.

How did Beau Berman address the presentation of Justina's health variability in his reporting?

He acknowledged the limitations of TV news and the need to balance visual storytelling with nuanced information.

Chapters

Beau Berman recounts how he first learned about the Justina Pelletier case and his initial reaction to the story.
  • Beau Berman was tipped off by a friend about the case.
  • He scheduled an interview with the Pelletier family and was shocked by the details.
  • He recognized the potential for the story to captivate the public due to its complexity and emotional weight.

Shownotes Transcript

On this show we talk a lot about how Munchausen by Proxy cases are covered in the media, and today we’re getting the inside scoop from the reporter who broke one of the most high profile MBP stories. Beau Berman began covering the Justina Pelletier case back in 2013 as a young reporter and watched over the years as the case evolved and got stranger and stranger. He tells Andrea about how the story came across his desk and the complexities of trying to keep the balance on both sides while dealing with HIPAA. He reflects on his time with the Pelletiers and his thoughts on the case more than a decade after covering it. 


Links/Resources: 

The Battle for Justina Pelletier: https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/the-battle-for-justina-pelletier/5657866397468499112)

Read about Justina Pelleiter in The Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2020/01/12/pelletier/0I2dQrYlZFJ9tNzscaXdAO/story.html)

Join Patreon for a look at Andrea and Dr. Bex’s previous coverage of the Justina Pelletier case: https://www.patreon.com/collection/507935)

Preorder Andrea's new book The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy)

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Subscribe on YouTube) where we have full episodes and lots of bonus content.

Follow Andrea on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos: @andreadunlop)

Buy Andrea's books here).

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For more information and resources on Munchausen by Proxy, please visit MunchausenSupport.com)

The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children’s MBP Practice Guidelines can be downloaded here).

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