Description
This is the story of one of America’s most powerful media families, their scandals, their secrets, and their survival. At the center is Sumner Redstone, a man who built a billion-dollar empire but spent his last years trapped in drama that was stranger than any Hollywood movie. Around him were his daughter Shari, his younger lovers, his business rivals, and powerful executives who fought for control. Together, they created a tale of greed, betrayal, and shocking revelations.
Sumner Redstone was no ordinary man. He was a survivor and a fighter. In his youth, he studied at Harvard Law and even served in the military, helping to break enemy codes. Later, he turned his sharp mind toward business and became the leader of Viacom and CBS, two of the biggest media companies in the world. By the time he was old, he was worth billions. He was also famous for his fiery temper, his restless energy, and his obsession with women much younger than him.
One of the most dramatic moments in his life came in 1979, when a fire broke out in a hotel. Trapped in his room, he climbed out the window and hung from the ledge as flames burned his arm. The pain was unbearable, but he refused to let go. He survived, badly injured, but even more determined to never give up. That moment became a symbol of how Sumner lived—clinging fiercely to life, power, and control.
But his personal life was just as dramatic as his business victories. Sumner was married for over 50 years to his wife Phyllis, but his endless affairs eventually destroyed their marriage. Later, in his eighties and nineties, he surrounded himself with much younger women. He spent huge sums of money on gifts, homes, and jewelry for them. To outsiders, it seemed unbelievable: here was an elderly billionaire, with dyed red hair, still chasing women young enough to be his grandchildren. But this was Sumner—he lived without shame or restraint.
Among these women, two became especially important in his later years: Sydney Holland and Manuela Herzer. Holland was a struggling businesswoman when she met Sumner, but soon he was showering her with jewels, homes, and even millions in cash. Herzer had been close to him for years, and she too received vast amounts of money and property. In time, these two women gained enormous influence over Sumner’s daily life. They lived in his mansion, oversaw his medical care, and even decided who was allowed to see him.
Meanwhile, Shari Redstone, his daughter, was left on the outside. Shari was smart and tough, a skilled businesswoman in her own right. Forbes once ranked her among the most powerful women in the world. She adored her father but struggled to earn his respect. Their relationship was rocky, filled with screaming fights and cruel insults. At times, Sumner would send Shari angry emails filled with profanity, copying other executives just to embarrass her. Yet, despite everything, she remained loyal and kept fighting for her place in the company.
When Shari realized that Holland and Herzer had too much control over her father, she grew alarmed. Staff in the mansion whispered that the two women were neglectful, even abusive. Nurses reported that they sometimes gave Sumner food that made him choke. At one point, his own grandson believed they might be trying to harm him. But Sumner was weak, confused, and dependent. He could no longer see clearly who was helping him and who was using him.
Eventually, things unraveled. Holland was caught having an affair with another man while still engaged to Sumner. Herzer exposed the affair and accused Holland of terrible things. Within days, Holland was thrown out. But Herzer’s victory didn’t last long. The staff rebelled against her too, telling Sumner about her lies and manipulation. In tears, Sumner asked her to leave. Both women were out, though not before walking away with millions of his money. Lawsuits followed, accusations flew, and the drama spilled into public.
After this painful chapter, Shari returned to her father’s side. She became the one caring for him and managing his affairs. For the first time in years, they reconciled. But the battles around the empire were far from over.
At CBS, a new storm was brewing. Shari had supported the rise of Les Moonves as chairman, believing he could lead the company. At first, Moonves was respected and admired. He even publicly supported the #MeToo movement, which had exposed men like Harvey Weinstein. But soon, Moonves himself was accused of sexual harassment and assault. Stories emerged of him abusing his power, forcing himself on women, and creating a toxic workplace.
At first, the CBS board tried to ignore the allegations. Moonves was too valuable, too powerful, they thought. But then more women spoke out. Investigations revealed disturbing patterns of abuse, intimidation, and cover-ups. A detailed exposé by journalist Ronan Farrow brought everything into the light. The pressure became impossible to ignore. In the end, Moonves resigned in disgrace, losing his reputation and his chance at a million payout.
Through all of this chaos, Shari Redstone stood firm. She was the one who pushed for accountability. She fought back against the powerful men around her, the scheming lovers who tried to control her father, and the executives who resisted her leadership. Against all odds, she protected both her father’s legacy and the company’s future.
The story of Unscripted is not just about one man or one family. It is about the dangers of power, wealth, and unchecked desire. Sumner Redstone had everything—money, fame, influence—but in his final years, he became trapped by his weaknesses. His lovers took advantage of him, his rivals circled, and his health collapsed. Yet, in the end, his daughter Shari emerged stronger, proving that loyalty and determination can outlast even the most chaotic scandals.
This is a tale filled with betrayal, greed, and corruption, but also with resilience and survival. It shows how fragile even the greatest empires can be when personal flaws mix with public power. Above all, it reminds us that behind the polished surface of fame and success, the truth can be far more shocking, messy, and human.
