Marian Price demands justice for Disney+ portrayal of IRA murder

In a dramatic legal move, Marian Price, a veteran republican, has initiated a lawsuit against Disney+ following a controversial depiction of her in the streaming platform's historical drama series. The series in question, 'Say Nothing', is based on the book by Patrick Radden Keefe and portrays the events surrounding the 1972 murder of Jean McConville, an alleged informant for the IRA. McConville was abducted and killed by the Irish republican group known as the IRA, making her one of the Disappeared, a term referring to individuals who were abducted, murdered, and secretly buried during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. After years, her remains were eventually discovered in 2003 at Shelling Hill Beach in County Louth, but to date, no one has been prosecuted for her death, which resulted in the tragic orphaning of her ten children. Price, also known under the surname Marian McGlinchey, claims that the representation in 'Say Nothing' unjustly portrays her as the murderer of McConville. Her solicitor, Peter Corrigan, asserts that such a grave allegation is entirely unfounded and lacks any basis in evidence. He described the portrayal as egregious and emphasized that the accusations are not only harmful but also seek to exploit her reputation for the entertainment value of the series. This portrayal, they argue, is not solely a personal affront but presents significant damage not only to Price's name but also to her well-being, as the allegations reach a global audience through the Disney+ platform. The legal action against Disney+ is said to stem from concerns not just about personal defamation but also the broader implications for historical narratives depicted in media. Price's case raises questions about the license and responsibility of filmmakers in representing real-life events and individuals, particularly those tied to sensitive and traumatic periods in history like the Troubles. As the situation unfolds, it is likely to attract significant media attention and public discourse about the boundaries of artistic license in storytelling, especially when it involves the lives of actual people who have suffered tremendous loss. By embarking on this legal battle, Price intends to assert her rights and challenge the narrative set forth by the series. Her decision to pursue this case signals a growing trend where individuals portrayed in popular media are increasingly willing to confront and contest potential misrepresentation of their stories and legacies, especially in the case of historical and politically charged events. As this suit progresses, it may influence not only Price's personal circumstances but also future representations in entertainment that deal with real-life controversies, potentially altering how filmmakers approach stories involving well-documented and sensitive historical issues.