Ep 2. The Deadly Cancer Doctor & the Ugly Side of the Beauty Business
- TV-PG
- July 20, 2018
- 43 min
In season 1 episode 2 of the investigative series Whistleblower titled "The Deadly Cancer Doctor & the Ugly Side of the Beauty Business," viewers are introduced to two separate stories of corporate corruption and greed.
The first story follows the case of Dr. Farid Fata, an oncologist based in Michigan who had been systematically over-treating and misdiagnosing his patients with cancer in order to maximize profits. With the help of several whistleblowers, Fata was eventually caught and charged with healthcare fraud and money laundering, receiving a sentence of 45 years in prison. The episode delves into the emotional toll and devastation inflicted upon the patients and families affected by Fata's actions, as well as the difficulty of exposing corporate wrongdoing within the medical industry.
The second story sheds light on unethical practices within the beauty industry, as whistleblower Heather Bormann details her experiences working as a consultant for a major cosmetic retailer. Bormann reveals the toxic and manipulative tactics employed by the company to pressure employees and customers alike into purchasing products, as well as the systemic harassment and discrimination endured by women who did not conform to a certain image or ideal.
Through interviews with the whistleblowers themselves, as well as with legal experts and other key players, the episode provides a nuanced exploration of the challenges and risks involved in speaking out against powerful corporations. Ultimately, it raises important questions about the responsibility of companies to prioritize the well-being of their customers and employees, and the role of whistleblowers in holding them accountable.