Shirley MacLaine's new book "The Wall of Life: Pictures and Stories from this Marvellous Lifetime" sheds light on the scandalous relationships between Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedy brothers during the 1960s.
According to the New York Post, MacLaine’s revelations include claims that Monroe was intimate with both John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy on the same night she performed at JFK’s birthday gala.
On May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe delivered her iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" performance at Madison Square Garden, celebrating President John F. Kennedy's 45th birthday. The event, packed with celebrities and influential figures, became one of the most memorable moments of her career not only because of her performance but also due to the alleged events that followed.
According to Shirley MacLaine, the gala was followed by a private party hosted by Arthur Krim, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. It was at this gathering where MacLaine claims to have observed the interactions between Monroe and the Kennedy brothers. In her book, MacLaine describes an intimate sequence of events involving Monroe and the Kennedys that took place behind closed doors.
Shirley MacLaine was present at the event and observed President Kennedy exiting a bedroom shortly before his brother, Robert Kennedy, entered the same room where Marilyn Monroe was. This claim adds a layer of complexity to the already public intrigue surrounding Monroe's connections with the Kennedy family, suggesting a more intricate involvement than previously known.
The political and personal implications of these alleged liaisons were immense, not only for those directly involved but also for their respective families and careers. Monroe's involvement with such high-profile figures was a well-discussed topic, further complicated by the actress's untimely death just three months after the famed birthday performance.
Maureen Callahan's book, “Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed,” also discusses the impact of Monroe's relationships with the Kennedys. Notably, Callahan claims that Monroe had met Robert Kennedy shortly before her stage performance and appeared visibly affected during it. This assertion aligns with the claim in MacLaine's book about the brothers' simultaneous involvement with Monroe.
Additionally, the night Monroe died, revelations concerning Robert Kennedy’s actions added a layer of mystery. Callahan noted that Robert Kennedy was allegedly desperate to retrieve taped recordings of his conversations with Monroe, suggesting the potential for political damage if such recordings became public.
Jackie Kennedy’s reaction to the public and private behavior of her husband and his brother also played a fundamental role in the familial dynamics. She allegedly gave President Kennedy an ultimatum that threatened far-reaching consequences for his political career and personal life.
Marilyn Monroe's relationships with the Kennedy brothers have been a topic of public fascination and speculation for decades, blending the allure of Hollywood with the power corridors of Washington, D.C. The events of May 1962 highlight significant intersections between private vulnerabilities and public responsibilities.
These revelations by MacLaine not only reintroduce public interest in one of the most discussed nights in American cultural history but also shed new light on the personal intricacies and betrayals between Monroe and the Kennedys. Such disclosures may lead to a reevaluation of both Monroe's legacy and the Kennedy brothers' political careers.
Shirley MacLaine's account, coming from a fellow celebrity and an eyewitness, adds a unique and personal perspective to the ongoing narrative surrounding these iconic figures. As these stories resurface, they encapsulate a moment in history that continues to captivate and provoke discussions about celebrity, power, and their consequences in American society.
