The tangled intricacies of the romantic relationship between Aristotle Onassis, Jackie Kennedy, and Maria Callas are newly illuminated by a memoir from Onassis' confidant.
An intimate look into the lives of these historical figures reveals a complex web of love, indifference, and emotional struggle, Fox News reported.
Kiki Feroudi Moutsatsos, who served as Aristotle Onassis’ secretary, provides a firsthand account in her book "The Onassis Women." The memoir sheds light on the longstanding affair between Onassis and the famed opera singer Maria Callas, beginning when they first met at a party in 1957.
Despite marrying Onassis in 1968, Jackie Kennedy quickly became aware of her husband's infidelity. However, she chose to overlook his extramarital activities, a decision influenced by advice from Onassis' sister, Artemis. According to Moutsatsos, Artemis encouraged Kennedy to accept such behavior as common in their culture and advised her to overlook it.
While Onassis admired Kennedy and cherished her children, he continued meeting with Callas. Moutsatsos recalls that Onassis frequently encountered Callas, even just one week after his marriage to Kennedy. "Onassis never stopped seeing Maria, visiting her many times a week," Moutsatsos revealed in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Moutsatsos portrayed Kennedy as a pragmatic woman who quickly understood the reality of her situation. "Jackie was very smart; she realized quickly what was happening,” Moutsatsos explained. Kennedy's prior marriage to President John F. Kennedy, which also involved infidelity, may have given her the fortitude to handle such matters calmly.
On the other hand, Callas suffered emotionally from Onassis' marriage to Kennedy and remained deeply attached to him until his death in 1975. Moutsatsos noted, "Maria was jealous; she wanted to be with Onassis always, but it was not possible." Callas' strength and pride contrasted with her ongoing attachment to Onassis, highlighting the complexity of her emotional state.
After Onassis' death, Jackie Kennedy moved to New York City with her children and lived there until her death in 1994. The memoir, in addition, recounts the days when Onassis surprised Kennedy with various gifts and trips to his private island, Skorpios, where he created joyous memories for her and the children.
Furthermore, personal insights into these relationships emerge as filmmakers adapt Maria Callas' life into a biopic starring Angelina Jolie, while Moutsatsos discusses a film adaptation of her memoir. This shift, therefore, brings renewed focus to the storied lives of these iconic figures.
Moreover, Moutsatsos' detailed account serves not only as a chronicle of a significant period in modern history but also as a window into the personal lives of those often understood only through the public lens. "This was my family," she said. "And I just want people to know the truth." The memoir, thus, not only documents the high-profile affair but also explores the emotional remnants that lingered among these intertwined lives.
The revelations in Moutsatsos' memoir underscore a narrative enriched with love, indifference, and the complex challenges of personal relationships in the public eye. Each player in this historic triangle navigated these challenges in their own ways, underscored by the cultural and personal imperatives of their times.
The legacy of these relationships continues to captivate public interest, shedding light not only on their personal lives but also on the societal attitudes and pressures that shaped their decisions and destinies.
