Boeing Exposed: Whistleblower's Death Sparks New Documentary on Company's Troubled Past
Rory Kennedy's documentary Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing delves into the aerospace manufacturer's troubled history, following the death of whistleblower John Barnett.
Barnett, a quality manager who appeared in Kennedy's 2022 film Downfall: The Case Against Boeing, died at age 62 after testifying about his experiences with Boeing.
Kennedy says she was compelled to revisit her investigation and tell the stories of whistleblowers like Barnett, who faced extreme retribution for their bravery.
The documentary features recordings of Barnett's deposition, in which he describes being berated by managers after reporting concerns about safety issues.
Barnett alleged that Boeing prioritized profits over safety and that his complaints were ignored.
The film also explores the company's history, including its 2005 hiring of CEO Jim McNerney, who shifted the focus towards profits above all else.