A podcast reveals a shocking story

A room of trust. A man's abuse of power. A podcast that speaks out about the deepest violations and an industry that permits them to happen. Launched in May 2024 by DR's documentary department and created by experienced journalists Sarah Rørvig and Andreas Kofoed, 'Massøren' takes listeners into a shocking tale of a male masseur who over the years subjected countless women to assaults under the guise of treatment. The victims, whose voices we hear, are often young mothers who, in their most vulnerable moments, faced the wolf in sheep's clothing. With a total runtime of about five hours, the podcast is freely available on DR Lyd, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, and invites a search for the justice the victims were denied from the start.

Criticism of unregulated sector and justice system failure

The podcast not only highlights a single perpetrator but also critiques the unregulated sector of alternative therapies in Denmark, where such abuses can occur all too often. Despite the perpetrator's suspended sentence, the hosts express dismay at what they describe as a 'slap on the wrist', challenging the decision to keep the perpetrator's name hidden—a choice that draws criticism for potentially shielding him from the shame the victims experience daily. Despite criticism of its graphic descriptions of assaults, the podcast receives praise for its bold storytelling style, where victims' voices are heard without dramatics. Reviews draw parallels to other major Danish true crime projects like 'Mørkeland', positioning 'Massøren' as a leading force in socially critical journalism.

Masseur's revelations lead to political action

In addition to being nominated for the Publicist Prize for 'Podcast of the Year 2024', 'Massøren' has had tangible consequences beyond the audio medium. The podcast's revelations of structural weaknesses in the alternative therapy industry have sparked political negotiations on new legislation for masseur certification, a clear example of journalism's power to create change when it hits the mark. The heated debate over the podcast's ethical balance between storytelling intensity and victims' dignity underscores a genre in constant evolution—making 'Massøren' both shockingly essential and indisputably relevant.

Listen to the podcast 'Massøren' at dr.dk – and follow KrimiNyt for more in-depth and revealing true-crime analyses.