Did the Central Park Five Get Money From Netflix? The Untold Story

Yes, the exonerated men formerly known as the Central Park Five (now known as the Exonerated Five), Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Korey Wise, and Yusef Salaam, did not receive direct financial compensation from Netflix for the use of their story in Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed miniseries, When They See Us. However, the series significantly amplified their story, contributing indirectly to their public profile and potentially influencing opportunities for speaking engagements, book deals, and other forms of compensation stemming from their experiences.

The Ripple Effect of When They See Us

While a direct payment from Netflix to the Exonerated Five didn’t occur, the impact of When They See Us on their lives and the broader conversation around racial injustice and wrongful convictions cannot be overstated. The series, released in 2019, thrust their story back into the national spotlight with unprecedented force.

Public Awareness and Empathy

Before the series, the Central Park Five case, while known, was often viewed through the lens of the initial media frenzy and the subsequent vilification of the young men. When They See Us humanized them, portraying their vulnerabilities, their resilience, and the devastating impact of their wrongful conviction. This shift in public perception was crucial.

Advocacy and Activism

The series empowered the Exonerated Five to become even more vocal advocates for criminal justice reform. Yusef Salaam, for example, successfully ran for New York City Council in 2023, a testament to the newfound platform the series helped provide. Their voices, amplified by the series’ reach, contributed to a broader national conversation about systemic racism within the justice system.

Indirect Financial Benefits

While Netflix didn’t cut individual checks to the Exonerated Five, the increased exposure led to opportunities that likely resulted in financial gain. Speaking engagements, interviews, and book deals all became more readily available after the series’ release. These opportunities, while directly tied to their story, were indirectly influenced by the series’ success and the heightened public interest it generated. The series also bolstered book sales for books the Exonerated Five had already written and paved the way for new book opportunities.

The Actual Compensation: Settlements and Lawsuits

The financial compensation received by the Exonerated Five came primarily from settlements with the City and State of New York related to their wrongful convictions and the injustice they suffered.

City of New York Settlement

In 2014, the City of New York reached a settlement with the Exonerated Five for $41 million. This settlement, long fought for, acknowledged the egregious misconduct of the police and prosecutors involved in the case. The settlement was divided among the five men, with the amount each received varying based on the length of time they were incarcerated and the specific hardships they endured.

New York State Settlement

Following the City’s settlement, the Exonerated Five also pursued a claim against the State of New York. In 2016, they reached a settlement for $3.9 million, further acknowledging the state’s role in their wrongful conviction.

Continued Legal Battles

It’s important to note that the legal battles didn’t end there. Some of the Exonerated Five continued to pursue legal action against individuals involved in their prosecution, seeking further accountability for the injustices they faced.

FAQs: Unpacking the Central Park Five Case and When They See Us

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of the Central Park Five case, the Netflix miniseries, and the financial realities surrounding the Exonerated Five.

1. What exactly was the Central Park Five case about?

In 1989, a white female jogger was brutally attacked and raped in Central Park. Five Black and Latino teenagers were arrested, interrogated, and eventually confessed (later recanted) to the crime. They were convicted and served varying prison sentences before being exonerated in 2002 when Matias Reyes, a convicted serial rapist, confessed to the crime and DNA evidence corroborated his confession.

2. Who are the Exonerated Five?

The Exonerated Five are Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Korey Wise, and Yusef Salaam. These are the five young men who were wrongly convicted in the Central Park jogger case.

3. Why are they now called the Exonerated Five instead of the Central Park Five?

The term “Central Park Five” became associated with the initial media frenzy and the presumption of guilt. The term “Exonerated Five” emphasizes their innocence and acknowledges the injustice they suffered.

4. What is When They See Us about?

When They See Us is a four-part Netflix miniseries that chronicles the wrongful conviction and subsequent exoneration of the Central Park Five. It focuses on the experiences of the young men and their families, highlighting the systemic racism and prosecutorial misconduct that led to their unjust imprisonment.

5. Who directed When They See Us?

Ava DuVernay directed When They See Us. Her direction and storytelling played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and ensuring the story was told with sensitivity and accuracy.

6. Did When They See Us win any awards?

Yes, When They See Us received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Jharrel Jerome, who played Korey Wise.

7. How accurate is When They See Us?

While the series takes certain artistic liberties for narrative purposes, it is generally considered to be a highly accurate portrayal of the Central Park Five case. Ava DuVernay and her team conducted extensive research and consulted with the Exonerated Five to ensure the story was told with respect and authenticity.

8. What happened to the prosecutors and police officers involved in the case?

The handling of the case by the prosecutors and police officers was widely criticized. While some faced professional repercussions, none were criminally charged. Linda Fairstein, the lead prosecutor, faced significant public backlash following the release of When They See Us and lost several book deals and positions.

9. Where are the Exonerated Five now?

The Exonerated Five have all moved on with their lives. They are actively involved in advocacy and activism, speaking out against racial injustice and wrongful convictions. As mentioned earlier, Yusef Salaam currently serves on the New York City Council.

10. Did Donald Trump ever apologize to the Exonerated Five?

No, Donald Trump, who took out full-page ads in New York newspapers in 1989 calling for the death penalty for the Central Park Five, has never apologized to them. This lack of remorse has been a source of continued criticism.

11. What is the legacy of the Central Park Five case?

The Central Park Five case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and the fallibility of the criminal justice system. It has had a lasting impact on the conversation around criminal justice reform and continues to be a rallying cry for advocates fighting against systemic racism.

12. What can I do to learn more about the Central Park Five case and support criminal justice reform?

You can learn more by reading books written by the Exonerated Five, watching When They See Us, supporting organizations dedicated to criminal justice reform, and advocating for policy changes that address systemic inequities within the justice system. Educating yourself and engaging in informed dialogue are crucial steps towards creating a more just and equitable society.