SVU’ chronicled the Jerry Sandusky case in Season 13
Fans of the long-running crime drama Law and order: SVU know that while the show is fictional, it draws inspiration from real events in “out of the headline” plots. Sometimes episodes begin with similarities to actual cases and then diverge with unique twists. That’s what happened in season 13 when Law and order: SVU alluded to the Jerry Sandusky case in one of the most memorable episodes of the long-running true-crime series.
What real-life cases inspired the episodes of Law & Order: SVU?
From time to time, fans can expect aspects of national scandals to appear in episodes of Law and order: SVUand they never disappoint.
Although the series’ storylines are fictional, some draw parallels to real cases. According to Entertainment Weekly, the season 17 episode “Patrimonial Burden” starring Mariska Hargitay, Peter Scanavino and Ice-T was inspired by the Josh Duggar scandal. The same season featured the episode “Devil’s Dissections,” which was influenced by the case of alleged serial killer Robert Durst.
The hard-hitting episode of Season 15, “American Tragedy” was based on aspects of two scandals – one involving celebrity chef Paula Deen and the other involving the death of Trayvon Martin. And persistent Law and order: SVU Fans will remember the Season 10 episode “Elfish” starring Christopher Meloni and Hilary Duff. It bears similarities to the infamous case of Casey Anthony and the tragic death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.
Law & Order: SVU season 13 mirrored the Jerry Sandusky scandal
Perhaps one of the most unforgettable times Law and order: SVU Turning a real case into a nail biter was in the Season 13 episode “Personal Fouls.” The plot revolves around a successful basketball coach, Ray Masters (played by Dan Lauria), who is accused of sexual abuse by a former student, Stevie.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the fictional crime mirrored the real-life Jerry Sandusky case and followed Masters’ investigation after detectives learned he had paid several former players to keep quiet about the alleged abuse.
Fandom reports that many former basketball players, including one named Prince, who became a professional superstar, have denied the allegations. But Benson (Hargitay) and Nick Amaro (portrayed by Danny Pino) kept digging deeper. After Stevie’s murder, they eventually persuaded Prince to come forward. The episode ended with him testifying before the grand jury and revealing to the media what the trainer had done to him. Viewers saw Masters arrested while Prince told other potential victims that “the shame isn’t theirs.”
In the Jerry Sandusky case
So what was the real case that inspired that? Law and order: SVU Consequence? According to the Washington Post, the Penn State scandal erupted in 2011 involving Jerry Sandusky and the abuse of former students.
Sandusky was a longtime assistant coach to the legendary Joe Paterno, and after years of investigation, Sandusky was arrested on over 50 counts of sexual abuse. He was found guilty and sentenced to a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of 60 years in prison.
CNN reports that Sandusky was known for serving as a father figure to his victims, an aspect reflected in that Law and order: SVU Consequence. The victims filed multiple lawsuits against Penn State, eventually reaching settlements with the university.
After the investigation concluded, a university spokesman released a statement, saying, “We hope the victims of Jerry Sandusky find some measure of justice.”
How to get help: If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free and confidential support.
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