Ep 53. Why Oscar Pistorius' Ex-Girlfriend Was Afraid of Him

ABC 20/20 season 36 episode 53 explores the story of Oscar Pistorius and his ex-girlfriend, Samantha Taylor. The episode seeks to uncover the basis for Taylor's fear of Pistorius and investigates the tumultuous and abusive nature of their relationship.

As a high-profile athlete and Olympian, Pistorius had a reputation for being a hero and a role model. However, when he met Taylor, their relationship quickly turned sour. According to Taylor, Pistorius became controlling and physically abusive towards her, leaving her feeling trapped and scared.

The episode features interviews with Taylor and her family, who provide insight into their experiences with Pistorius and how their lives were impacted by his behavior. They share stories about Taylor's attempts to leave the relationship and her fear of retribution from Pistorius if she did so.

The episode also examines the cultural context of domestic violence in South Africa, where the couple lived at the time. Experts weigh in on the prevalence of domestic abuse in the country and how it is often normalized and overlooked.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through the events leading up to the shooting of Reeva Steenkamp, Pistorius' girlfriend at the time. The episode delves into the trial that followed, exploring the evidence presented and the verdict. It also highlights how the case became a media sensation and sparked a global conversation about violence against women.

Overall, Why Oscar Pistorius' Ex-Girlfriend Was Afraid of Him offers a sobering look at the dark side of a man once hailed as a hero. It sheds light on the devastating impact of domestic violence and the courage it takes to speak out about abuse. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring the warning signs of an abusive relationship and the importance of believing survivors.