The Artful Dodger

Once the most revered philanthropist in New Zealand arts, James Wallace’s world started crumbling when a young man accused him of sexual assault. After the emergence of more victims and a six-year legal battle, Wallace was convicted of multiple crimes, no longer able to keep name suppression and stripped of his knighthood. The case raised major legal questions about the justice system, its treatment of abuse victims and name suppression laws. It also forced the arts sector to examine whether it had turned a blind eye to Wallace’s offending, in return for millions of dollars worth of patronage. Featuring new in-depth interviews, including Wallace’s only media interview since conviction, this is the story of his rise and fall, crimes and punishment - and his survivors. Warning: The Artful Dodger podcast contains references to sexual abuse. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Written, hosted and produced by Kate Langdon and Philippa Tolley. Sound design, audio editing and mixing by Connor Scott. Additional sound recording by John Ropiha. Assistant producer: Jen Black. Visual design: Yasin Karadeniz. Legal: Charlotte Foster. Executive producer: Chris Reed. Special thanks: Catrin Owen, Edward Gay, Matt Slaughter, Elmo Johnstone and Laura Heathcote.