iHeartPodcasts and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Michael Epstein have announced the launch of “Fault Line: Haditha,” a 13-episode investigative podcast and companion documentary series. The project re-examines the 2005 killing of 24 Iraqi civilians by U.S. Marines in the city of Haditha, an incident that led to one of the longest and most expensive criminal investigations in U.S. military history.
Produced in partnership with Crowd Network and High Road Entertainment, the series focuses on the investigation led by former NCIS Special Agent Michael Maloney. The production explores the political pressures and disputed testimonies Maloney encountered during his inquiry, including allegations that senior officials attempted to undermine the investigation, which reportedly resulted in significant consequences for his professional career.
The series is designed as a multi-platform experience, with each podcast episode accompanied by a companion film on YouTube. These documentary segments feature archival footage and interviews with the Marines involved in the incident, NCIS investigators who worked the case, and the sole surviving Iraqi eyewitness to the killings.
Will Pearson, president of iHeartPodcasts, characterized the series as an ambitious example of investigative storytelling that utilizes the unique capabilities of the podcast format. Michael Carr, CEO of Crowd Network, noted that the project is the result of a persistent effort to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. Richard Tulk-Hart, co-CEO of High Road Entertainment, indicated that the production aims to elevate these complex voices and mentioned that discussions are currently underway to potentially bring the story to television screens.
Epstein is an award-winning filmmaker and producer with multiple Peabody and Emmy Awards to his credit. His previous investigative work includes the podcast “Murder in House Two,” which reached the top of the true crime charts in the United Kingdom. “Fault Line: Haditha” is available on the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms, with video episodes hosted on YouTube.
