The podcast explores the dark crimes of Georgia Tann, a kidnapper who sold babies from poor families to the wealthy. It delves into the historical context of orphan care, the tragic cases of victims like Rose Harvey and highlights the shocking details of adoption fraud and trafficking horrors. The episode also uncovers the mental trauma caused by family separation and the corrupt connections of Tann with influential figures to manipulate adoption laws.
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Quick takeaways
Georgia Tann kidnapped babies from poor families to sell to wealthy ones through manipulative tactics.
Corrupt officials like Judge Camille Kelly and Mayor Boss Crump aided Georgia Tann in manipulating adoption laws.
Georgia Tann's orphanages were sites of exploitation and neglect, resulting in high infant mortality rates and lasting trauma for victims.
Deep dives
Georgia Tan's Manipulative Tactics in Adoption
Georgia Tan used manipulative tactics such as falsifying birth records and kidnapping babies to sell them to wealthy families. She targeted wealthy customers in New York and California, charging exorbitant amounts for adoptions. Tan's adoption drives, ads, and secrecy in adoption laws further facilitated her exploitative practices.
Collusion with Corrupt Officials
Georgia Tan colluded with corrupt officials like Judge Camille Kelly and Mayor Boss Crump to manipulate adoption laws and seal records. Corrupt practices included false certifications, tampering with adoption paperwork, and lobbying to change legislation to suit her lucrative adoption racket.
Exploitation and Neglect at Georgia Tan's Orphanages
Georgia Tan's orphanages were sites of exploitation and neglect, with hundreds of babies dying under her care. She ran a house of horrors where malnourished and sick children went untreated, resulting in high infant mortality rates in Memphis. She only reported a fraction of the deaths, leading to mass graves of unidentified children.
Legacy of Trauma for Victims and Efforts for Justice
Georgia Tan's victims endured lasting trauma from being stolen from their families and subjected to abuse and neglect. Efforts to seek justice include lawsuits against Tan's estate and advocacy for opening adoption records to help victims find their biological families. The painful legacy of Georgia Tan's exploitation continues to impact adoptees and families today.
Octavia Spencer's Interest in Georgia Tan's Story
Octavia Spencer, a renowned actor, optioned the book 'The Baby Thief' about Georgia Tan's crimes. Spencer's interest in adoption-related roles, such as in the movie 'Instant Family,' suggests a personal or professional investment in shedding light on adoption practices and historical injustices.
Georgia Tann was a bad human. We feel safe in saying that because she kidnapped babies from poor families to sell to wealthy ones. Listen in if you can stomach it.