Benita Alexander wikipedia has been trending online as many people are eager to learn more about the journalist.
Peacock’s series, Dr. Death season 2, based on a true story, chronicles the shocking story of Dr. Paolo Macchiarini.
Dr. Macchiarini is an Italian thoracic surgeon who was recognized as a pioneer in his field.
He was the first person to create and transplant a synthetic organ. His surgeries in the early 2010s gained global attention.
However, the disturbing reality of these procedures was hidden for years, only revealed by the vigilance of some colleagues.
Former journalist Benita Alexander was one of the key figures who uncovered the saga.
In addition, she also got romantically involved with the surgeon while reporting his false story.
In today’s article, let’s get to know more about Benita Alexander, including her career, whereabouts, and story with Dr. Paolo Macchiarini.
Benita Alexander Wikipedia And Age
Benita Alexander, a Wayne State University graduate, built a successful journalism career, transitioning from print to radio and finally television.
In 1998, she joined NBC News as a producer, where she remained for nearly two decades.
During her tenure, Banita won multiple awards and was considered one of the network’s most seasoned producers.
In 2013, she was assigned to report on Paolo Macchiarini’s medical breakthroughs, including the world’s first synthetic windpipe transplant.
This assignment led to their first meeting at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Boston, which Alexander described as a moment filled with an inexplicable electric spark.
During this period, Alexander was dealing with personal turmoil as her ex-husband battled aggressive brain cancer.
Macchiarini provided emotional support, helping her navigate her complex emotions. Their professional relationship evolved into a whirlwind romance.
In addition, their union was marked by luxurious European vacations and extravagant gifts.
This dramatic shift in lifestyle left Alexander’s friend, Marian Fontana, wondering what was happening to her friend.
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Benita Alexander Got Engaged With Dr. Paolo Macchiarini
In 2013, Paolo Macchiarini, while still married, proposed to Benita Alexander, promising a divorce. The pair got engaged.
The duo planned a grand wedding for July 2015, with high-profile guests including Barack Obama, the Clintons, and Pope Francis.
Despite their divorces, Macchiarini claimed he could arrange for the Pope to officiate their wedding at the Vatican.
Alexander believed him until she discovered the Pope would be in South Africa during their wedding.
When confronted, Macchiarini lied, but Alexander saw through his lies, canceled the wedding, and ended their relationship.
The former journalist hired private investigators who uncovered alarming professional fabrications.
In addition, Benita alerted his employer, the Karolinska Institute, unaware that an investigation was already underway.
Macchiarini was later sentenced to prison for assault, with most of his synthetic trachea transplant patients having died.
Reflecting on her vulnerability, Alexander believes Macchiarini preyed on her during her ex-husband’s illness.
Alexander suspects he chose her for the thrill of conning a smart woman and a big institution and possibly to leverage her help with brewing issues in Sweden.
Where Is Benita Alexander Now?
Benita Alexander no longer works as a journalist. According to her LinkedIn profile, she is a “love con expert.”
Using her personal experience with love fraud, the former journalist now empowers other survivors.
She serves as a producer and showrunner for Investigation Discovery’s shows, “Road Rage” and “Crime Goes Viral.”
As the CEO of Berraca Productions, she furthers her advocacy work for fraud survivors.
Through her podcast, “Benita & The Berracas,” she shares stories of women who have also fallen victim to love fraud.
Nonetheless, Benita’s current endeavors provided a platform for their voices and experiences.
