The Daily

Confronting a Childhood Abuser


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Three months ago, a recording of Sterling Van Wagenen, a founder of the Sundance Film Festival, appeared on an obscure website for whistle-blowers in the Mormon Church. The “Daily” producer Annie Brown spoke with our colleague about the story that recording told. Guest: Elizabeth Harris, a culture reporter for The New York Times, talked to Sean Escobar, who made the recording of Mr. Van Wagenen.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. This episode contains descriptions of abuse.

Background reading:

  • Read about how Mr. Escobar’s actions led to the arrest of Mr. Van Wagenen.
  • Mr. Van Wagenen is expected to go to prison for at least six years after pleading guilty to child sexual abuse.

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The DailyBy The New York Times