Re-exploring the tragic story of sprinter Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp.

False Idol is a seven-part narrative podcast that re-examines Oscar Pistorius, the South African Paralympian known as The Blade Runner, who killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013. The series explores important issues like hero worship, gender-based violence, and race and privilege in post-apartheid South Africa. It also tells the story through the eyes of the people Pistorius irrevocably changed along the way. Hosted by journalist Tim Rohan.

1. The Blade Runner: When Pistorius started dominating the Paralympics, his rivals had questions about the fairness of their races.

2. Oscarmania: All of South Africa cheered Pistorius on, as he made a bid for the Olympics. But the bigger stage would bring more scrutiny.

3. A Loaded Gun: As Pistorius rose to fame, the media began learning more about him, and some of the details seemed…troubling.

4. Reeva: Reeva Steenkamp had a bright future ahead of her. Then she met Pistorius. Three months later, he shot her dead in his home.

5. Ready to Run?: Reviewing the evidence, prosecutors saw this as a case of gender-based violence, which is sadly common in South Africa.

6. Swart Gevaar: In court, Pistorius claimed he mistook Reeva for an intruder. Many South Africans recognized a coded message in his words.

7. Culpability: South Africa held its collective breath, as the judge delivered her verdict. Afterward, how would everyone move on?

Partners

False Idol was co-produced by PRX.

Credits

Tim RohanHost & Creator
Timothy Lou LyProducer
Kate McAullifeSenior Producer
Devon ManzeAssociate Producer
Meghan CoyleProduction Assistant
Michael GarofaloEditor
Matt GilesFact-checker
Michael KramerComposer
Gotham ChopraExecutive Producer
Adam SchlossmanExecutive Producer
Ameeth SankaranExecutive Producer
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