Jeffrey Wigand: The big tobacco whistleblower

The 1996 Mike Wallace interview that inspired Hollywood's "The Insider" and changed big tobacco forever.
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"60 Minutes," the most successful television broadcast in history. Offering hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, the broadcast began in 1968 and is still a hit, over 50 seasons later, regularly making Nielsen's Top 10. "60 Minutes" has won more Emmy Awards than any other primetime broadcast, including a special Lifetime Achievement Emmy. It has also won every major broadcast journalism award over its tenure, including 24 Peabody and 18 DuPont Columbia University awards for excellence in television broadcasting. Other distinguished awards won multiple times include the George Polk, RTNDA Edward R. Murrow, Investigative Reporters and Editors, RFK Journalism, Sigma Delta Chi and Gerald Loeb Awards for Distinguished Business and Financial Reporting. "60 Minutes" premiered on CBS Sept. 24, 1968. The correspondents and contributors of "60 Minutes" are Bill Whitaker, Steve Kroft, Scott Pelley, Lesley Stahl, Anderson Cooper, Sharyn Alfonsi, Jon Wertheim and Norah O'Donnell. "60 Minutes" airs Sundays at 7 p.m. ET/PT. Check your local listings.

[@johnborjia1985]

Dr Jeffrey Wigand A true American hero. Thank you for your honesty in the face of overwhelming odds.

[@coopw24]

💯

[@Bryan8329]

I can't help but wonder how he feels about what's going on now. So many parallels between him being hamstrung from getting this info out and what's happened with the outgoing administration with regards to the pandemic.

[@johnprince2718]

Try to say something the rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain the rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain the rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain got the boysbb b

[@johnprince2718]

@@Bryan8329 BBC news

[@kalijasin]

He did the right thing even knowing there would be consequences.

[@alexcrayfish]

Russell Crowe should have really gotten the oscar for his performance. His facial expressions and the way he spoke was like a duplicate of the real man.

[@neilfeinberg7825]

Channeling Jim Braddock in a similar fashion for Cinderella Man.

[@VtRD]

Crowe was masterful in The Insider. His best role, ever, in my view. The scene in his hotel room, on the phone with Lowell Bergman, was a key one. It captured what it cost him to blow the whistle.

[@MustRiseAgain]

thanks for suggesting the movie. :)

[@michaelpeach2833]

Crowe could have (and maybe should have) won three oscars in a row: The Insider, Gladiator, and A Beautiful Mind.

[@suki44883]

@@VtRD Since I don't see him that often, I always forget what a incredibly talented actor Russell Crowe is. Put him with Al Pacino, and you have one captivating movie.

[@anthonylasure5286]

Weigand deserves whatever he wants. You can see in his face that he has a moral compass like few others. He lost everything he loved ro save people he never knew or would ever meet. Absolute legend for all of humanity

[@jameshoran8]

And his wife bailed on him because she loved the money.

[@Angelina-lw1db]

⁠@@jameshoran8that is absolutely not true, his wife left him because big tobacco was threatening their family and she wanted him to give up being a whistleblower, her last straw was a bullet in their mailbox. his being a whistleblower caused a great amount of tension in their marriage and he was know to have struck her once during a fight about it, which was the beginning of the end for her

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

"The Insider" was a HUGELY influential film in my life. As a younger man, I couldn't *believe* that humans running a corporation could be so bloody TWISTED and broken. Russell Crowe was *BRILLIANT* in figuring out Wigand's extremely unique accent (his background was SPECIAL... Bronx & Japanese!!)... and, Crowe's hair was falling out as they tried to dye it. Unbelievable work from the entire cast.

[@ericp7667]

are oil companies any different wrt climate change? emails leaked to NY Times a few years ago allegedly show a pattern of misinformation to deliberately mislead the public and create doubts about IPCC reports. Its all about money, not the public interest.

[@Defender78]

The insider was such a remarkable movie, being made so soon after this whole issue with CBS and Jeffrey w Wigand and B&W period Michael Mann created of basically flawless film that should be recognized as one of the best ever made. Now of course a question I have is how did Michael Mann, Al Pacino, and Russell Crowe, NOT get sued by Brown & Williamson for making the movie?. Also, Christopher Plummer was absolutely Oscar worthy for his supporting role as Mike Wallace

[@heyhi7762]

omg I knewwww it was a ny accent but it was also so weird

[@gc3k]

So many great actors and performances in that movie

[@Heyu7her3]

Thanks for the movie recommendation!

[@BRIANSTECHTHERAPY]

Damn Russel Crowe did an amazing job as Jeffrey in the film " The Insider "

[@DMalltheway]

He sure did, I almost think De Niro would’ve been a good choice, but with him and Pacino already in Heat, Crowe fit the role perfectly.

[@rishabhaniket1952]

Nah……Crowe really nailed that idealistic, innocent and emotionally vulnerable persona. You felt for the guy genuinely during the movie.

[@Kaspen82]

Sometimes it’s hard to get an idea of how good these actors are until we get a direct comparison like this.

[@jordanthompson1418]

My mother, a respiratory therapist, asked this man to speak at our local rural high school. HE DID. She still has his signed cards, and I remember getting permission as one of only a few middle schoolers to attend (simply because my mother insisted and sent permiss. notes). One of the greatest achievements of her life. She was so proud to have all 5 of her kids in that high school auditorium, to listen to the scientist, that would tell us the risks of smoking. We grew up in households where it was common, almost ritualistic, in tradition to do so. In the 90s/ early 00s, this was unheard of. So proud of her. So proud of Mr. Wigand, who has really made a difference, to tell the truth, even when people don't want to hear it. Thank you, sincerely from Clay Center. I remember you, the little girl in the back of the dark auditorium, you were wonderful. And it did make a difference, I do not smoke, not simply for my wonderful mother, but because of what you did too. If nothing else, you saved my life, be that an exaggeration or not, you had an impact.

[@vongeisen]

Thank you Dr. Wigand. My father died in 1969 at the age of 37. He was a habitual smoker, 2 packs a day. Bless you for exposing the cigarette industry. I have not ever smoked. It’s a disgusting habit.

[@vongeisen]

@@godismy4 thank you for being so kind. It’s been so long, only my Mother & I remember him.

[@mr.balloffur]

@@godismy4 But there's a difference when you lie about manipulating a cigarette to make it more addictive and tell your customers it's fine

[@kevinmcdonald951]

TROLLL

[@emperornortoni2871]

Man, I love these 60 Minutes archive videos. They've done some truly great journalism over the years.

[@nzimandelenono]

Unlike 60 minutes Australia 🇦🇺 where comments are turned off smh

[@Retroscoop]

Except that here, CBS Corporation tried to interfere seriously in the CBS News dept. and to make them cut the Wigand interview.... Great journalism is constantly on a balancing act with management, revenues of tobacco sponsoring are quite considerable

[@BBStyles777]

This was the hallmark case that revield the corporate and private equity firms takeover of our media. The Insider (the movie, based on the true story around this interview) shows of the strongarming over the news by PE firms (one in particular that is currently the largest fund of all time), and beginning of the slow death of investigative journalism and journalistic integrity.

[@THEGODDAMNDINOSAUR]

yeah this is great

[@Tangga1boy01]

Great journalism means great in covering up for stories like this.

[@wcstevens7]

The safest cigarette is one in an unopened pack, thrown into a trash can.

[@loganroark3916]

No because that is a fire hazard

[@obloodyhell1]

There is not a thing called a safe cigarette. Tell it like it is.

[@vickiegrant3325]

You forgot to soak the pack in water first!

[@kalijasin]

I quit smoking 28 years ago.

[@thedudewhoeatspianos]

Love it. I quit June 1, 2014 at 4:06 pm Pacific. I'll get where you are (30+ years some day).

[@pjh2331]

I have been trying to track this down for YEARS, including talking to Dr. Wigand. THANK YOU FOR UPLOADING! Made my day.

[@urb3361]

Man Pacino and Russell Crowe both deserved an oscar for that performance extraordinary..

[@karenboromeo5752]

No the tobacco industry made sure that would never happen.

[@Lizb325]

I give him credit. Think of how many people work for these companies and never say anything. Any company that has to hire that many lawyers to tell "the truth" is definitely hiding something. You are a hero. I hope if I'm ever in a similar situation that I have half the balls you do.

[@jackrodgersjr]

Whenever lawyers are involved, don't expect the truth.

[@hello2jello4mellow34]

Jeffrey Wigand, an American hero.

[@TheresaPowers]

@Edd 1 Russell Crowe is living legend in film.

[@739677852]

World Hero

[@739677852]

As Rabbitohs in Rugby League

[@westerling8436]

@@TheresaPowers no, what he means to say is: jeffrey wigand IS russell crowe

[@magnificentmuttley154]

*@Hello2Jello4Mellow* "Jiggle while you wiggle while youre wiggling free, while you jiggle while you wiggle ib a jiggling spree" 😆😋🤣😋!

[@lees5097]

The interview that changed the tobacco game forever. And the movie The Insider changed my life. Still gives me chills to watch.

[@Defender78]

If the tobacco companies are saying that nicotine is not addictive, doesn't the disclaimer on the side of cigarette packs which is kind of like a "smoke At your own risk" warning kind of absolve the tobacco companies from liability since it's a personal choice for people to smoke?

[@AliceYobby]

@@Defender78those warnings were only added long, long after this story was run, and partially due to the man in this story

[@raymondpalaganas9299]

The movie'The Insider' is highly recommended... Especially Al Pacino played the role of the Producer of 60mins. ..Amazing

[@afrose71]

Russell Crowe was also amazing -- he was only 34 playing a 51-year-old very convincingly.

[@christopherthorkon3997]

Also, in an interview, Wigand spoke highly of Crowe's portrayal of himself in the movie. Wigand went on to say that he was amazed how Crowe absorbed and then duplicated certain little behavioral quirks of his ... quirks Wigand himself was not really aware of until he saw it on the big screen and then thought, "Oh yeah, I do that, don't I?"

[@paulzenco6182]

One of my favorites films ever. Crowe and Pacino (especially Crowe, he was insanely awesome there) on fire, great director Michael Mann, great script

[@VtRD]

Modern masterpiece--every performance was spot on. Christopher Plummer especially.

[@v-trigger6137]

both Christopher Plumber and Russell Crowe did a oscar worthy performance. and I was very surprised by seeing how much the movie is accurate to the real events. usually Hollywood does lot of stupid unnecessary changes to these kind of movies. but this was very accurate to the point

[@MHassan1986]

I just saw the film last night and the acting of Crowe and Plummer during that interview is so spookily accurate, down to the dialogue and hand manners. Great film.

[@bt2476]

This was one HELLUVA interview and story! Wow. 60 Minutes has done some legendary work over the years. This has to be one of the best. Dr Wigand is a hero, that certainly put it all on the line. "The Insider" told his story quite beautifully too. Talk about HUGE pressure

[@Ozzychingas]

I quit Somking 4months in....This just made me stronger....

[@alexanderwells4402]

I don't smoke cigarettes in my life, it bad for my lungs.

[@hans6304]

Awesome!! Stay strong bro!!!

[@jonwright1513]

I’m trying to stop I’m down to a carton a day wish me luck .

[@hans6304]

@@jonwright1513 you can do it Jon!

[@alikathiphopoprah5507]

Go head Ozzy!!!!!!!....this habit has been a real struggle for me....but I will keep pushing....thx for ur inspiration

[@seanambroz7238]

Modern journalism could take a lesson from this production. In the face of overwhelming corruption and intense pressure, 60 minutes didn't role over to the deepest pockets at that time. Simply admirable.

[@ktakashismith]

If you know anything about Dr. Wigand's story, you know that CBS and 60 Minutes absolutely DID roll over for the tobacco industry, they refused to run the story until Wigand went to the extent of giving an extremely risky public deposition in Mississippi, which the Wall Street Journal picked up and ran as a story. As soon as CBS saw that they were going to lose exclusivity on the case, and that the cat would get out of the bag whether or not they held the story, they flip-flopped and ran the interview in the end. So yeah, not as courageous as you think, more an effort to save face.

[@AliceYobby]

Ah, but they almost did- the only reason they had the ability not to (and save their credibility) was because of B&W playing it too fast and loose sending that obvious smear dossier to the Times, which got all the press in NYC on Wigan’s side (out of pride, mostly- they didn’t want to be played like fools), and that coinciding with the sale of CBS after the story was initially squashed by its CEO (Lawrence Tisch) who also owned the 4th largest tobacco company in the U.S. Had that sale not happened, either at all or at least before the Times article dropped, it’s likely 60 Minutes wouldn’t have ran the story at all. What’s the lesson there? Well to the corporations, it was “hey, all we gotta do is consolidate power more!” Because now, the same megacorp that owned CBS would also own the Times, and they’d own majority shares in the company CBS got sold to. And then none of this would happen - the same message to squash the story 60 Minutes got, the Times would get. CBS gets sold, it’s reporters ask if they can run the story now, the answer is still “No.”

[@richardstern9288]

They almost did. Remember, they didn't air his interview in the first cut of the story, out of fear of a B&W lawsuit. It wasn't until the Mississippi case that they found enough courage to face the lesser risk. Still, it's a lot better than what's going on today.

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

@@richardstern9288what’s going on today. What is even remotely different today.

[@disf5178]

It's amazing to see this, so many years after watching The Insider, which I saw AT LEAST 3x. It's one of the best movies, based on actual events, ever made. Jeffrey Wigand is a hero...pretty cool watching the actual 60min episode..no wonder Russell Crowe is Russell Crowe..and Michael Mann is Michael Mann

[@garestpro]

When i go to a gas station they have 4 different types of fuel and 200 types of tobacco. They're not gas stations. They're nicotine delivery stations.

[@ReallyRyan.]

@Edgar Alvarez Don't forget about all the good ol' junk food, energy drinks and sodas that help fuel the obesity epidemic. Gas stations are really just disease stations on all fronts.

[@yucansuckadee8930]

OMG You're so brilliant. So REAL, AND WISE!

[@cherkas009]

Funny you have to exaggerate 200 types of cigarettes are you crazy

[@greensmithfootball10]

His wife leaving him was absolutely disgraceful

[@dshep5479]

The money was gone and her with it.

[@laragreene8328]

sHE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF THE KIDS.....BUT SAD THEY HAD TO DIVORCE FOR HER TO DO IT!

[@dshep5479]

@@laragreene8328Have you ever heard the song "Its -Cheaper To Keep Her"?

[@dshep5479]

@@laragreene8328 Its too bad he didnt have that option.🙂

[@GHustle4]

@@laragreene8328 STFU

[@WarpPal]

Now do one on big pharma.

[@alikathiphopoprah5507]

N Monsanto!

[@bemoreravens]

They prolly already did

[@bryantcurtis2665]

WarpPal The pharmaceutical companies charge $2700 a month for my AIDS medication.60 💊

[@V.E.R.O.]

There was a documentary a while back about how big Pharma started and promoted the opioid epidemic.

[@oldfan1963]

@@V.E.R.O. Company was InSys.

[@Seethrulee]

Crazy how accurate the real interview is compared to the movie 'The Insider"

[@jaden3542]

True

[@AndyJackson380]

almost like they had seen it

[@dehlanshandirkayr6182]

@@AndyJackson380 It's about acting bro. It might look easy to you because they obviously "saw" the interview but to produce it and improvise it while keeping it close to the original is a challenge. You see that Russell Crowe looks more paranoid in the movie than wigand in real life.

[@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102]

@@dehlanshandirkayr6182 Within the movie, it's also noticeable that when Wigand shoots the interview, the dialogue between interviewee and interviewer plays out differently than the final interview, showing editing that happened in post-production to adjust the flow of the interview.

[@Patryc]

Ethan Lee that’s where I came from!

[@johnorosz7477]

Dr Jeffrey Wigand - A true American hero! Honest and Integrity here. Thank you for your honesty in the face of overwhelming odds. The movie - 'The Insider' - is highly recommended... Especially Al Pacino played the role of the Producer of 60mins

[@karlay455]

Russell never disappoints me - loved the movie. No one is perfect neither is Dr Wigand - he did the right thing.

[@mwilliams82684]

Tell the truth lady....he lost those big bucks and you was ready to bail lol

[@koliver6657]

Mark Williams he

[@TheKdizzle1971]

Mark its were not was

[@tacosanddutches9878]

keith stone it is "it's" not "its"....It's going to be sunny today...... The cat hurt its paw....

[@ownSystem]

Mark eat 💩

[@georgesmith2497]

You guys can make fun of his grammar but you can’t really deny that he’s right.

[@sniferlip]

Many times, the truth is spoken by people who are less than perfect. That doesn't make the truth any less truthful. It is extremely difficult to speak truth to power. There are many ways in which someone can be hurt. For Dr. Wigand to still come out despite possibly losing his child and/or wife is nothing short of miraculous. I'm not saying he is a good man. I'm saying he stands out from the pack.

[@magnificentmuttley154]

colleen t. If you can forgive the irony, no truer words have been spoken, m'lady. Absolutely! :o)

[@CineRanter]

Well put

[@VtRD]

No one is perfect. Dr. Wigand included. As a scientist who knows about how tobacco is metabolized, and an insider at B & W, he literally blew the lid off the information about the addictive quality of cigarettes and pipe tobacco. True American hero, in my view--risked much to protect many.

[@heidimiller642]

That is correct. Wiggands' conduct is not relevant to the cause of cancer in the patients or any potential adverse or beneficial effects of tobacco consumption.

[@docbones213]

"from the pack" 😂

[@MattAlexanderMe]

In the end, people saw the truth. You are on the good side of history. Thank you.

[@JP-qj7te]

This is an amazing interview. Great bravery from a whistle-blower and CBS did a masterful job showing the damage to Wigand's life.

[@mishaalmohammed]

The movie "The Insider" revolve around this. Al Pacino and Russell Crowe were a fantastic duo. It shows how big tobacco silenced scientists and evidence.

[@Chris-0703]

Pretty sure anyone here knows that wise guy

[@darthstructure7370]

How do these lawyers look at themselves with self respect?

[@Kiarax1]

The boatloads of money presumably create that self-respect...

[@paystarbuzzy]

Darth Structure by having sold their souls to Mr Lucifer Mephistopheles Beelzebub when they pass the bar. I almost went to law school but never did and am damned glad. My soul remains intact and my life still has every bit of its original value if not a whole heap more. Dont get me wrong; I am 60 and I would enroll today in the event of asponsor interested in paying my tuition at an online law school, like Abramaham Lincoln University.

[@RayPaganJr]

Once you give up integrity, the rest is a piece of cake.

[@haste4002]

They check their bank account before they look 😅

[@haewien]

Lawyers never had there kind of things. Just tellin'

[@rmiddlehouse]

and cracking heads on the football field every week for 20 years doesn’t cause CTE

[@Anonymous-pm7jf]

Neither does burning fossil fuels cause global warming..

[@wojciechgrodnicki6302]

And social media doesnt sell your personal information to advertisers.

[@ShainAndrews]

@@wojciechgrodnicki6302 Social media... that's your concern? NSA actively and passively spying on it's citizens....

[@wojciechgrodnicki6302]

@@ShainAndrews I bet the NSA pays for all that data too. :D

[@Matt_10203]

@@wojciechgrodnicki6302 or they're selling.

[@maxperrusquia2119]

I quit smoking years ago. 60 Minutes is also very addictive, but I can't or won't quit watching it!

[@kumarroshan9573]

Here after watching "THE INSIDER".

[@raymond3803]

Way to stay current with movie viewing. May I recommend "Smokey and the Bandit?"

[@stahlgott]

Same here

[@joshduke5182]

Here after watching "THE INSIDER".

[@stephanfigaro1634]

Facts lol

[@2econd428]

Here before watching “the insider”

[@Curiamacabre]

This is why we must be critical of ALL industries, there are very few people with this much integrity in this world. So we must do our own investigating...

[@kachanakasulu3847]

Here after watching the biographical adaptation - The Insider starring Russell Crowe and Al Pacino. Inspiring!.

[@sass174]

He loses his job and his wife thinks about divorcing him what a great woman.

[@acekiannovelasco6418]

"bad things happen to good people" this is a example of that unlike Pablo Escobar his wife stayed until the end I dont know whats wrong with people

[@rickr1858]

Dr wigand's ex wife she deciede to level false allegations against him just because he became broke and she wanted to continue the her lifestyle at his expense

[@jaden3542]

Yeah.. She isnt the top example of what a wife should be 😒

[@shawnmartin8485]

And tried to convince him,and the rest of the world it was because of him.. typical...

[@decipheringthematrix56]

@sass this is a typical example of Briffault's Law

[@ceofounder]

60 Minutes was the most excellent, classiest, magnificent and prestigious news program ever created on network television! Morley Safer! Mike Wallace! Ed Bradley! Diane Sawyer! Andy Rooney! What an amazing, awesome and allstar cast of masterpiece/masterclass news journalists! Thank you for this upload.

[@V.E.R.O.]

All gone except for Diane Sawyer

[@ceofounder]

@@V.E.R.O. Thanks for the morbidity update. By wearing your mask and washing your hands for at least 25 seconds; you too can do your part in preventing the the spread of covid19.

[@sillygoose635]

still is, man.

[@ceofounder]

@@sillygoose635 Please wear your mask and wash your hands for at least 25 seconds to prevent the spread of covid19! Amen.

[@marymccarthy2533]

Not any more!

[@gregkelly7896]

Lowell Bergman is what every journalist should aspire to be: bold, tenacious and honorable.

[@naturelle1097]

I am currently watching the movie feeling very sorry for Dr. Wigand and sacrifice he made loosing everything but glad the truth always remains the truth and saves the day!.

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

They nailed the unsympathetic wife in the movie. She's got the worst attitude.

[@oldtimes4474]

Yes, you're right. Particularly the scene when he loses the job, she's so cold and materialistic.

[@strengthandmasculinity]

theres a smaller word gold digger.

[@oldtimes4474]

@@strengthandmasculinity Oh, gold digger... Didn't know that.

[@bethanyboothe4817]

What movie?

[@stevealdrich2472]

@@bethanyboothe4817 the insider

[@melkormorgoth9022]

Wherever you find misery and suffering you'll find an Attorney either creating,or profiting or both from it....

[@killervacuum]

the straw that broke the *ahem* CAMEL's back

[@chrissnyder3430]

Oh!!! I see what you did there!!😉

[@ErectedGasCan]

Lol 😂

[@Brainbuster]

Haha, good catch.

[@kmotley517]

Very low hanging fruit there..... 😬

[@johnclark8815]

Hmmmmmm! Camel's 🚭 Back! Like The Cigarettes!

[@codijo-myalaskandog122]

This makes me really ANGRY! At 5 years old my family went on a long trip; In a car with windows closed & a father who smoked constantly! I was guilty of hiding his "smokes" from the trip & within 30 miles down the road, I admitted to taken the cigarettes out of my parents suitcase & hiding them. We had to go back to retrieve all of them. I was in major trouble... even though I confessed! Obviously I could not tolerate cigarettes in 1968 even though I didn't know anything about tobacco. Three of us out of four people couldn't stand the smell & I was always coffin. But us 3 people didn't have a chance, we had to put up with it anyway. All these years later; the 3 of us haven't ever smoked and are still alive yet the smoker died 35 years ago. I knew when I was a little girl that it was BAD ENOUGH too hide it. This gentleman did the right thing to come forward with the truth. Not far he's had to pay the price that cost him so much!

[@menatoorus5696]

In the movie,The Insider, Dr.Wigand was depicted as a week person. The reality showed the contrary. The man is very articulate and he enjoyed a very confident personal.

[@OlympusHeavyCavalry]

I would presume that they tried to indicate his stress levels.

[@Patryc]

Menatoorus yeah, and from articles I’ve read, he cursed like a damned sailor

[@jaybizzle1995]

I wouldn’t say weak ‘ordinary people under extraordinary pressure’

[@jodeytailor7462]

My name is Mena u funny name

[@brucesnow7125]

How was he depicted as weak? Dude was putting everything on the line. Anyone in his place would act the same.

[@eljeffe58]

Wigand, an American hero. Sandefur passed away one year after he retired, two years after the trial. Karma.

[@cliffordbodine5834]

Not necessarily karma. That would depend on where Sanderfur is spending eternity.

[@TheSteve1126]

He saved millions of lives, unfortunately not from those already addicted but stopped millions of young people from ever starting

[@magnificentmuttley154]

Clifford Bodine. Thought provoking, indeed. But if there IS a god & he's supposed to be loving & just; supposed to be the complete opposite of the Devil, why would he reward a wicked bast**** like Sandifur with heavenly life?!

[@magnificentmuttley154]

calodo2002. In one brief statement you're forgetting why Wigand chose the job with B&W in the 1st place. His aim was to create a NON-ADDICTIVE cigarette. What sounds impossible to you & I is very possible for a man with Wigand's knowledge of chemistry (and physics), his tenacious determination to make it a reality, and B&W's bottomless pocketbook Wigand saw a way to change things for the better from INSIDE "the system," because this approach, had it worked, would've been more practical than piecing apart and taking the giant monster down. And that's because the tobacco industry is simply too powerful. It exactly resembles the disposition of the senators, congressmen, high-powered lawyers, & various other behind-the-scenes political and financial power-brokers who keep the beast alive & well. They're fond of what is their own, and esp the wealth it generates, in BILLIONS of dollars at the expense of it's victims, the addicted smokers. "Killing millions to make million$" was an expression coined for this back in the 80's Anyway, think for a just a minute about what you're really doing here. In the same statement you're also discrediting Wigand for the good he HAS managed to accomplish. Big tobacco has indeed been forced to pay millions of dollars in retroactive health costs to the state Medicare systems of Kentucky and of Mississippi. Thanks to him the "Seven Dwarfs"- - the seven heads of big tobacco who lied, straight-faced to Congress, saying cigarettes ARE NOT addictive under oath- - were exposed for this entire scandal. So greedy & heartless are they that the billions already being made weren't enough. They had to make cigarettes EVEN MORE addictive, just so MORE people than ever before would get hooked on cigarettes, and so that those ALREADY hooked would SPEND EVEN MORE on cigarettes than they already were! ! Such unimaginable wickedness! ! >>: (

[@jodeytailor7462]

@@magnificentmuttley154 i am currently dying from smoking cigs myself friend of mine just died from it

[@KD-lq1sr]

Dr Weigand has a cool accent. He seems very personable for a highly educated doctor and speaks well.

[@shyannacolt6161]

You mean very articulate?

[@maogu1999]

Unmistakably from New York

[@Deadite1982]

Mike Wallace, Bergman, and especially Wigard show us what true journalism and question of the power of big business should look like with this wonderful piece. WOW.

[@plcmts17]

The look on the face of that putz from 23:24 to 23:48 as Mike Wallace reads B&W own letter of praise for Dr. Wigand is pure schadenfreude.

[@DangerousDavies2008]

Russell Crowe did a good job mimicking his voice and mannerisms.

[@yengsabio5315]

Hear, hear!

[@mikelin2703]

Not to mention getting his body to look like middle-aged guy with a belly. The fact that he sculpted his body to do The Gladiator next is pretty impressive.

[@V.E.R.O.]

@@mikelin2703 he really let himself go for 'Unhinged'.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

His wife was probably The one who was most affected by the loss of his 300k salary. Who divorces a hero?

[@yengsabio5315]

"I don't believe nicotine is addictive." Heck what that man believes! The fact remains -- that nicotine is addictive.

[@codijo-myalaskandog122]

Very addictive!

[@yengsabio5315]

@@codijo-myalaskandog122 Indeed

[@johncleaver554]

So addictive, that Thomas Sandefur died five months after the story was released.

[@yedjonasinvest.653]

I just watched the movie! The man is a world class hero!

[@nthomas87]

American Scandal podcast sent me here. Let’s see how it goes!

[@natashafitzakerley2977]

Same. ✌

[@rw8990]

If you’re searching for the truth you’ve found it,have a seat make yourself comfortable .

[@lynnrolaf7422]

I just love how this big tobacco company man said "it's their choice to quit". It would be if his company hadn't perverted tobacco so much by creating ways to make nicotine more addictive, that some people are literally unable to quit. Stop adding additional poisons to your tobacco and give smokers a fighting chance to quit.

[@suki44883]

They don't want people to quit. That's why they did it. It's all about the money. Always has been and always will be.

[@jackrodgersjr]

After many unsuccessful attempts at quitting, I told my mind that it had been lied to, manipulated and abused and it should get VERY angry. That did it. I started hating everyone involved in the sale of tobacco.

[@sirclassicalhou3650]

And the corporate food industry is guilty of the same tactics- aggressive marketing of unhealthy food to children and denying that the role that the food industry has played in the obesity epidemic.

[@sirclassicalhou3650]

@@jackrodgersjrGood for you, I salute you!!! I despise both the food industry and tobacco industry for lying about their products and being immoral liars.

[@JayDogon]

Christopher Plummer played Mike Wallace so good I thought Mike Wallace was actually in the movie and was impressed that he was that good of an actor

[@Ed_Belen]

Hope Dr wingman life is ok, he has balls to battle this killers !!!!

[@DMalltheway]

Most of all integrity.

[@jimmydurham9318]

Notice how his wife abandoned ship when the checks stop rolling 😂😂😂

[@Vynessa48]

Started listening to the podcast American Scandal & they did a story on Big Tobacco which brought me here & wow! Great journalism from 60 minutes & amazing story overall

[@rw8990]

I’ve had 2 uncles 1aunt,1cousin, who’ve died from stage 4 lung cancer that came about from smoking,my aunt on my moms side and cousin on my dads side died the same day the same age67,same disease lung cancer also 2 of my childhood friends whom I’ve known for over 40 years have COPD,thank God I stopped in 1996,Mr Wigand ThankYou and May God Bless and keep you.

[@chrisb8655]

God bless you, also. I'm so glad you quit 25 years ago & saved your own life.

[@Defender78]

They should of quit smoking, their fault. I quit after 16 Years.

[@rw8990]

@@Defender78 I just want to thank for coming to that brilliant deduction that they should have stopped and your ground breaking research to come to the conclusion that it was their fault,sir you are a genius!

[@brianbenz3613]

I just finished watching the movie the Insider and it was good and showed how they tried everything to ruin his credibility hoping people wouldn't pay attention to anything he says

[@devlinallistair5147]

I was a smoker for 15 years. I quit 8 years ago. Fck Big Tobacco.

[@bruceseah]

Truly a hero who stand up for what is right. God bless you!

[@Sirphil-dj9dh]

This video makes me so glad I stopped smoking at my senior year of high school. live well and stay smoke free everyone....

[@jameshoran8]

Shame on Wallace trying to bury this interview. Lowell Bergman was the reason the piece saw the light of day.

[@OneclickOutside]

“WIPE THAT SMIRK OFF YOUR FACE!!”

[@daconqueror7777]

GANGSTA

[@daconqueror7777]

GANGSTA

[@johndonohoe3778]

I miss Mike Wallace. He took no BS from that lawyer. Real news, not fake.

[@jameshoran8]

"Ma'am, we may be in the same business but we're not in the same profession.

[@sebeek00]

I came here because of The Insidier movie and that's just crazy.

[@taffycat5049]

What will we ever do without the original 60 Minutes correspondents here to do hard reporting and deliver it with integrity? They were groundbreaking for their time and simply the best

[@BambooAcrobatVerte]

If you want to find out who is lying, find out whom you are not allowed to criticize. If you want to find out who is telling the truth, find out whom they are trying to silence.

[@jl5822]

Damn, watching this, you can see just how close Russell Crowe got his appearance to match Dr. Wigand in the movie. Such a great film too!

[@jameshoran8]

Crowe played Wigand right before he did Gladiator.

[@JoseSanchez0795]

Give this man 👨 a Nobel Prize!!!

[@johnking8724]

Admire J. Wigand , a man of principals !

[@Mario_N64]

*principles. Be a man of spelling.

[@jerryzhang1755]

This is a story of a man against the capital. Give my highest respect to all of you

[@Galacticpurveyor]

Fascinating that you could have any thumbs down on this very famous interview.

[@JohnAckerman93]

This is just sick. I always say we need to put these cigarette companies out of business, and stop gas stations and stores from selling tobacco products. I lost my grandmother to lung cancer almost a decade ago. She had smoked a long time ago, but quit. I was so upset when I heard she had passed. Let’s come together, and stop these dirty companies from selling something that kills thousands of people every year.

[@JohnDoe-bt9qp]

Why are you not mentioning secondhand smoke in your post?

[@jsoo67]

Damn I feel old when I seen his pencil sharpener and remembering having the exact same one.

[@dannyhughes9874]

We need lots more people like him.

[@845835]

The Insider and The Big Short are great films.

[@yengsabio5315]

Both are fantastic movies! I watch them one after the other about 3x a month for good measure!

[@laurasplicer712]

The harder tobacco tried to prove wiegand was lying the more they made themself guilty...

[@johnwest8645]

Someone should start a go fund me for this man so he knows losing his job was worth it and even years later he is a hero

[@rickr1858]

Dr wigand's ex wife she deciede to level false allegations against him just because he became broke and she wanted to continue the her lifestyle at his expense

[@missdeejay]

The one who made false allegations against him was his first wife. The one who left him when he was fired was his second wife

[@GHustle4]

@@missdeejay america makes it so easy for women to get away with divorce!! especially white women

[@ronque23]

Great wife. Really teaching her kids important lessons in life: never marry a man with principles, sweeties. SMDH!

[@6thwilbury2331]

Wow, the guy who played Mike Moore in the Insider looks just like the actual guy. Amazing casti-- oh wait, never mind.

[@Brainbuster]

I was thinking the same thing. Watched the movie last night, and watched this video just now. I thought, "Wtf, I could've sworn that guy was in the movie." Now I see that he played himself in the movie, lol.

[@Mario_N64]

Yeah lol, Wigand looks nothing like Crowe.

[@kennethlundgren]

Jeffrey Wigand is an American hero

[@josephgrimes3886]

you have more than your share of them

[@linusdn2777]

Micheal Mann really did a great job on the movie

[@jameshoran8]

Mann is a genius. He pulled Vincent Hanna from his files to play Bergman.

[@baddi25]

He probably saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people indirectly. He is a hero.

[@salvadorvizcarra769]

The wife forgot that: "In health and disease; in wealth as in poverty ..." !!!WTF!!!

[@GHustle4]

western women do not mean that when they utter those words when getting married they have a system that will back them at any turn when they are "not in love anymore" or make up some dumb lie to get out

[@zack_120]

This edition of 60 Minutes is the best summary of the movie The Insider. Many words Dr. Wigand said here are used in the movie.

[@austinhill5825]

And marijuana's still illegal? WTF

[@JJSmalls]

Biggest competition to Big Tobacco. It was illegalized back in the day due to bologna accusations.

[@kalijasin]

@Austin Hill, of course.

[@yourownpersonaljesus2108]

Yeah because tobacco alcohol and pharmaceutical industries opposing marijuana legalization

[@Mario_N64]

@@JJSmalls But bologna is delicious

[@abdulmalik053]

Everyone talking about Jeffery Wigand, no one talking about Lowell 🤷🤦

[@user-mi5nj8gj5p]

Tobacco firms knew that cigarettes cause cancer way back in 1950s but the companies suppressed all of medical studies not to reach the addiction. Tobacco is big business vapes, gums, patches are the alternatives .

[@buryitdeep]

All those CEOs should be in jail and still in jail to this day. The courts are a mockery.

[@bmjpdx9222]

But the tobacco industry did paid $246 billion to settle lawsuits from all 50 states.

[@jrock5830]

We had an Australian version of Wigan. He was an in-house counsel that turned against the i think Phillip Morris. I read the legal case during law school, and ended up sharing a small office with him. He had interesting conversations with Wigan.

[@pinaopina]

Thanks to him the newer generation doesn’t smoke. I have 3 teenage daughters and none of them smoke. They know dangerous it is and decided not to do it. Thanks to his great morals. He’s a hero 🦸🏼‍♂️

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

No they all vape. A bigger percentage of kids vape now than smoked in the mid-90's. Vaping often has tons mord nicotine than a cigarettes. Nicotine itself is a carcinogen so while it may be supposedly safer because of no smoke, it's not like it's good for you.

[@abrahamlupis9354]

But they are exposed to other kind of chemicals

[@eazye088]

And smoke weed.

[@giorgosarifoglu953]

I've seen the movie and it's pretty accurate. I feel sorry for Dr. Jeffrey Wigand. A man of science and honesty and it goes to prove that going up against these companies is life threatening and I seriously hope his children understand his sacrifice...so...thank you Dr. Wigand.

[@mikenomath3897]

It's legally sold, not lawfully because it HARMS people! It therefore is indeed an unlawful product! BAN IT!

[@buckshot3333]

when the show did real journalism

[@alnash1433]

True...

[@gutsfinky]

They went after everyone. Regardless of who they were and what industry they were in. Great job..