Programme Overview
Description
In the 1990s, Dudu Topaz was the most famous man in Israel: the “King of the Ratings” who brought Israeli television into the modern era, breaking viewing records again and again.
With an “everyman” persona that endeared him to the masses, Dudu became the country’s unofficial spokesman and a hero to many. Addicted to this power and influence, Dudu began to believe himself untouchable. Protected by his fame, his early indiscretions were overlooked or excused by his adoring public.
But as the new millennium dawned, Topaz’s popularity began to wane and, following a series of awkward mishaps on live TV, his show was pre-recorded before being taken off-air altogether.
The mega-star was angry, insulted and seeking revenge. He drew up a list of targets – everyone he blamed for the demise of his career – and contracted a team of hitmen to act on his twisted plans. From there on, Dudu’s rampage of violence included brutal and extremely violent attacks on key media executives in the country, including Keshet’s CEO Avi Nir, and Reshet’s VP of Programming, Shira Maraglit, who was viciously and heartlessly brutalized in front of her 7-year-old son.
Topaz attempted to blame others for these violent attacks, but he was no master criminal. A sting operation involving the coordinated efforts of the police and leading media executives finally led to the arrest of the now-infamous star, who committed suicide while awaiting trial.