Rose McGowan joins Ronan Farrow in an encore to ‘Catch and Kill’

Shortly after a New York trial court convicted Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein of two among five charges of sexual misconduct on 25 February, journalist Ronan Farrow and actor Rose McGowan headed to a studio to record a podcast session. Released on 28 February as a bonus episode of The Catch And Kill Podcast, hosted by Farrow since November, it features a conversation between them that ran for over an hour.

Catch And Kill derives its name from the eponymous book by Farrow, published in October to wide acclaim. Subtitled Lies, Spies And A Conspiracy To Protect Predators, the narrative draws on Farrow’s extensive reporting of the #MeToo movement, especially on Weinstein’s reputation as a serial assaulter. Apart from the fact that the material is explosive and the writing compelling, the book is a masterclass in investigative journalism.

The podcast adds a layer to it by bringing in some of the voices of Farrow’s sources and clips from the recordings he made while reporting. The intensity as well as the enormity of the undertaking is palpable all through the nine episodes, featuring a colourful cast of corrupt media bosses, spies-turned-whistleblowers, crooked lawyers and, of course, the immensely courageous women who came forward with their stories—on and off the record—at grave personal risk and enduring professional consequences.

McGowan was one of the first women who agreed to speak to Farrow on record about Weinstein. Her story was allegedly killed by MSNBC, the platform Farrow was working with at the time, but later became part of a series he has been writing for The New Yorker since 2017. “It has been an odyssey for both of us," McGowan tells Farrow early on in the podcast. In spite of repeated intimidation, coercion and even threats, they didn’t back away from telling their truth to the world.

In 2017, McGowan revealed she had received a $100,000 (around ₹73 lakh now) settlement from Weinstein to cover up his alleged sexual assault of her in 1997. Her claim shook up the corridors of power in the media and entertainment industries across the world. Two years on, Weinstein stands convicted on two counts, though he was acquitted of the more serious charge of first-degree rape. As he awaits sentencing on 11 March—he could face up to 25 years in prison—another hearing in Los Angeles is coming up; it could lead to a penalty of up to 28 years in prison.

Listening to Catch And Killcould be triggering for many. And yet, it is also a cathartic experience in the end for anyone invested in truth and justice prevailing over subterfuge. As high-profile #MeToo cases are being heard in India, or settled out of court, a podcast like Catch And Kill, chronicling the twists and turns of the US media and justice system, offers a ray of hope. As McGowan put it, “Today I have this tiny chrysalis opening in my heart…. I will see this through…. I just want to take out the trash."

Catch and Kill is available on all major podcast streaming platforms.