As we previously reported, Lifetime is following up their four-part series “Surviving R. Kelly” with an in-depth look at Jeffery Epstein directed by Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern. Now, Variety confirms that another Epstein project is in the works with Patricia Heaton attached to produce.
Heaton is reportedly teaming up with Storied Media Group and writer Chris Gerolmo on a project based on “The Perversion of Justice,” a three-part article series written by investigative journalist Julie K. Brown.
Brown’s investigative work was published in the Miami Herald last year. It featured several interviews with Epstein’s victims and broke down exactly how Epstein sexually abused and trafficked young girls, collected child pornography, and evaded prosecution for years. It also exposed Epstein’s deep ties to members of Wall Street, D.C, and Hollywood.
Epstein was charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct last month. He was denied bail and faced up to 45 years in federal prison. He died by apparent suicide in his cell last week.
Heaton received two Emmys for her portrayal as Debra Barone in “Everybody Loves Ramon,” and her nine-season run in “The Middle” ended last year. She’ll return to television this fall in CBS’s “Carol’s Second Act” as a retired teacher who decides to become a doctor. She also serves as exec producer alongside creators Emily Halpern and Sarah Haskins.