Introducing The Runaway Princesses from In The Dark and The New Yorker
Feb 2, 2024
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Heidi Blake, a staff writer for The New Yorker, joins In the Dark and reveals the shocking story of the royal women in Dubai's ruling family who risked everything to escape. The podcast explores the luxurious yet mysterious life of Dubai's ruling family, investigating allegations of sexual assault and discussing the immense power and wealth of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Muktou. It takes listeners behind palace walls, uncovering stories of astonishing courage and cruelty, as even members of the ruling family try to break free from control.
The podcast reveals the astonishing courage of the royal women who risked everything to escape the brutality of Sheikh Mohammed, shedding light on deeply-rooted issues within Dubai's ruling family.
The investigation exposes the troubling pattern of numerous women attempting to escape Sheikh Mohammed's properties after reporting heinous abuses, highlighting the immense power and connections that have allowed him to evade accountability.
Deep dives
The Women of Sheikh Mohammed's Family: A Desire for Freedom
The podcast explores why women in Sheikh Mohammed's family consistently attempt to escape. Despite living lives of unimaginable luxury, these women are willing to risk everything to gain their freedom. The story focuses on Princess Latifah, who meticulously planned her escape from Dubai. She recorded a video detailing her dangerous situation, expressing fear for her life. The podcast examines the allegations of abuse and captivity made by a sex worker against a member of Dubai's ruling family and the subsequent lack of investigation due to political interference. These shocking accounts reveal deep-rooted issues within Dubai's ruling family, prompting the question of why women in Sheikh Mohammed's family repeatedly strive to break free.
Sheikh Mohammed: Power, Wealth, and Connections
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and the Prime Minister of the UAE, is portrayed as an incredibly wealthy and influential figure. He is credited with transforming Dubai from a small fishing village into a global metropolis through his vision and vast property portfolio. Sheikh Mohammed's close ties with world leaders, including the late Queen of England, have strengthened his position on the international stage. The podcast highlights his significant role in the Western world, particularly as an ally in counterterrorism efforts. However, his immense power and connections have resulted in a troubling pattern: numerous women attempting to escape his properties after reporting heinous abuses.
Uncovering the Dark Secrets: Testimonies and Witnesses
The investigation delves into the experiences of former employees who worked closely with Sheikh Mohammed. One former chauffeur, Jury Sinabad, disclosed disturbing information about driving groups of young women to and from the Sheikh's estate. Sinabad recounted witnessing a distressed woman with bloodstains in the car and another who had been chased and beaten by the Sheikh's staff. These troubling testimonies shed light on a hidden reality that extends beyond sex workers to include members of Sheikh Mohammed's own family. The podcast highlights the bravery of these women who dared to break free, risking their lives to escape his control.
The wives and daughters of Dubai’s ruler live in unbelievable luxury. So why do the women in Sheikh Mohammed’s family keep trying to run away? The New Yorker staff writer Heidi Blake joins In the Dark’s Madeleine Baran to tell the story of the royal women who risked everything to flee the brutality of one of the world’s most powerful men. In four episodes, drawing on thousands of pages of secret correspondence and never-before-heard audio recordings, “The Runaway Princesses” takes listeners behind palace walls, revealing a story of astonishing courage and cruelty.
“The Runaway Princesses” is a four-part narrative series from In the Dark and The New Yorker. To keep listening, follow In the Dark wherever you get your podcasts.