It’s hard to beat the Profumo scandal.
Russian spies, sexy girls, Government ministers, sexy girls, resignations, sexy girls in swimming pools…
‘For months, rumours had circulated about the private life of John Dennis Profumo, secretary of state for war. Educated at Harrow and Oxford, he was a quintessential high Tory who had achieved cabinet rank after serving in a number of junior posts.’
‘Not all the action was centred on Ward’s Wimpole Mews flat, equipped with two-way mirrors and other aids to lubricity. Soon, Keeler and Rice-Davies were circulating in more exalted milieux, including Lord Astor’s country mansion of Cliveden. It was there that John Profumo first laid eyes on her. A brief but passionate affair ensued, and tongues began to wag.’
My fav is the Jim Bakker / Jessica Hahn scandal. TV evangelist (is there a lower lifeform on the planet?) has an affair; the affair-ee blackmails him into giving her a cushy job; everything goes blooey; evangelist goes to jail.
The best part was Jerry Falwell, another TV evangelist, calling him a scab on the face of Christianity. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
I also admired Hahn’s nerve in blackmailing him. Good for you, girl!