Sara King Tells Her Own Story for the First Time in Her Own Words
Known by various aliases, including “Female Bernie Madoff” and the “Anna Delvey of the OC,” Sara King has captivated the public’s imagination with her enigmatic persona. But beneath these sensational titles lies a complicated narrative that veteran reporter Michele McPhee endeavors to unravel. In a compelling investigative piece, McPhee meticulously recounts Sara’s meteoric rise and dramatic downfall as she navigates the treacherous landscape of high-stakes financial deception in Orange County. Portrayed as a glorified loan shark, Sara thrived in a world rife with dubious transactions and quick cash. As the story unfolds, McPhee interviews a man who fell victim to Sara’s schemes and the attorney who played a crucial role in halting her gambling escapades. Despite the widespread perception surrounding her, Sara maintains that she has been mischaracterized and insists that she is not a con artist. However, McPhee remains skeptical, diving deep into Sara’s motivations and finally coaxing her into honest revelations after extensive reporting over the past year.
“When Sara pulled me into this project, I was captivated by the question of how a lawyer residing in a breathtaking Newport Beach mansion, a woman seemingly having it all, became irresistibly attracted to the darker side of the Orange County scene,” remarked host Michele McPhee. “I set out to understand why an educated woman, the daughter of entrepreneurs, chose to associate herself with a cast of dubious figures and ultimately became a hard money lender. From my perspective as a journalist who spent a decade covering the New York City Mafia’s five families, it feels akin to legalized loan sharking. Buckle up, folks. This woman’s life promises to be a thrilling expedition into the depths of risk and reward.”
Lady Mafia is expertly crafted and produced by Odelia Rubin and Jonathan Hirsch, ensuring a polished and riveting listening experience. Catherine Saint Louis brings her editorial expertise to the project, enriching the storytelling. The podcast benefits from the executive production of Shara Morris and Jonathan Hirsch, who oversee its creative direction.
Listeners eager to delve into the intricacies of Sara King’s story can subscribe to Lady Mafia on The Binge, in addition to all major podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To stay updated on Lady Mafia and explore more content from Sony Podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on X/Twitter and Instagram.
**Interview with Michele McPhee: Unraveling the Story of Sara King**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Michele. Your new investigative piece on Sara King, who has been dubbed the “Anna Delvey of the OC,” sheds light on a complex figure. What motivated you to dive into her story?
**Michele McPhee:** Thank you for having me. When I first heard about Sara, I was intrigued by the contrast between her public persona and the reality of her life. People were quick to label her without understanding the nuances of her situation. I wanted to explore the motivations behind her actions and what led her down this path.
**Interviewer:** In your research, you highlight how Sara has been portrayed in the media versus how she sees herself. What was her main argument about being labeled a con artist?
**Michele McPhee:** Sara was adamant that she was mischaracterized. She insists that what she did was a form of high-stakes business manipulation rather than outright deception. She posits that many in her circle were complicit in their own victimization, which complicates the narrative of her being a sole villain.
**Interviewer:** You interviewed individuals who were affected by her actions, including a victim and her attorney. How did those conversations shape your understanding of her story?
**Michele McPhee:** Those interviews were crucial. The victim described a sense of betrayal and loss, while the attorney provided insights into the legal battle to rein her in. Their perspectives highlighted the real-world impact of Sara’s actions but also showcased the gray areas in the case. It added depth to my analysis and questioned whether she acted out of desperation or dangerous ambition.
**Interviewer:** After extensive reporting, did Sara provide any insights that surprised you?
**Michele McPhee:** Absolutely. I was surprised to discover her deep longing for acceptance and legitimacy. Despite the chaos she created, there’s a vulnerability beneath her bravado. It’s a complicated mix of ambition and insecurity that makes her story all the more tragic and fascinating.
**Interviewer:** As a seasoned reporter, what do you hope readers take away from Sara King’s story?
**Michele McPhee:** I hope readers walk away with a sense of the complexities of human nature. It’s easy to label people, but stories like Sara’s remind us that there are often layers of context that matter. It’s important to question our assumptions and consider the circumstances that lead individuals to make drastic choices.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Michele. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to unravel the intricate tapestry of Sara King’s life.
**Michele McPhee:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how readers engage with this story.
