Rory Kennedy news
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The gist
Rory Kennedy's documentary 'Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing' premiered on Netflix Aug 19, 2026. It probes Boeing's safety culture and whistleblower John Barnett's death.
Background
Rory Kennedy directed 'Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing,' a follow-up to her 2022 documentary 'Downfall: The Case Against Boeing,' which examined the two 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people. The new film updates the story, focusing on whistleblower John Barnett's mysterious death and ongoing concerns about Boeing's profit-driven culture and regulatory oversight.
How it unfolded
- 2018 -2019Two Boeing 737 MAX crashes occur, killing 346 people.
- 2022Rory Kennedy releases 'Downfall: The Case Against Boeing' on Netflix.
- Mar 8, 2024Whistleblower John Barnett is deposed for his lawsuit against Boeing; he is found dead before testifying again.
- Aug 19, 2026'Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing' premieres on Netflix.
Who’s saying what
- Filmmaker
- Rory Kennedy calls for Boeing CEOs to face criminal charges, citing evidence of cost-cutting over safety.
- Boeing
- Boeing has admitted fault in the crashes, attributing them to a faulty MCAS system, but has not commented on the documentary's new allegations.
Still unverified
The circumstances of John Barnett's death are disputed; the documentary suggests it was suspicious, but official reports have not confirmed foul play.