In the early 1900s, long before the #MeToo movement and the downfall of Harvey Weinstein, s**ual assault was a prevalent issue within the Hollywood elite.
One of the earliest and most publicized cases of this kind of abuse involved Roscoe Conkling Arbuckle, a popular film star known as Fatty Arbuckle, and an incident that occurred during a wild party on Labor Day in 1921.
Arbuckle, born in Kansas in 1887, gained fame as a comedic actor known for his portly figure.
He rose to stardom in vaudeville circuits and eventually signed a lucrative contract with Paramount Pictures, making him one of the highest-paid actors of his time.
Arbuckle mentored other notable performers like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, solidifying his status as a comedy legend.
The infamous party took place at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco on September 5, 1921.
The guest of honor was Arbuckle himself, celebrating the success of his latest film.
The event was filled with bootlegged alcohol, starlets, and music.
Among the invited guests was Virginia Rappe, a 25-year-old aspiring actress.
According to witness Maude Delmont, Arbuckle and Rappe consumed several alcoholic drinks together before retiring to one of the hotel rooms.
Delmont claimed that Arbuckle said, “I've waited for you five years, and now I've got you.”
Soon after, screams were heard from the room, and Delmont attempted to enter but found the door locked.
When Arbuckle finally opened the door, he appeared in pajamas, wearing Virginia's hat, with a smile on his face.
Inside, Delmont alleged that Rappe was in pain on the bed, declaring, “I am dying, I am dying.
He did it.”
Rappe was moved to another room and later taken to the hospital, where she died from a ruptured urinary bladder.
Delmont accused Arbuckle of rape, claiming that his weight caused the bladder rupture.
The scandalous story quickly spread, with some witnesses even suggesting that Arbuckle had used a piece of ice or a bottle in the assault.
However, other testimonies supported Arbuckle's claim that he used the ice to alleviate Rappe's stomach pain.
The media, particularly William Randolph Hearst's newspaper chain known for sensationalism, sensationalized the allegations against Arbuckle.
Despite the support of Chaplin and Keaton, Arbuckle's reputation was tarnished in the eyes of the public.
Arbuckle turned himself in to the San Francisco police on September 10 and was charged with manslaughter.
He maintained a different version of events, stating that Rappe became hysterical, tore off her clothes, and began vomiting due to excessive drinking.
He tried to help her by placing her in a chilled bathtub and calling for medical assistance.
During the trial, the district attorney, Matthew Brady, presented conflicting testimonies and manipulated witnesses to build a case against Arbuckle.
However, crucial evidence, such as Rappe's fingerprints on the doorknobs, did not support the claims of an escape attempt.
The coroner's autopsy report also revealed chronic inflammation in Rappe's bladder but no signs of violence or external force.
Arbuckle faced three trials, with the first two resulting in deadlocked juries.
In the third trial, his defense team took a more aggressive approach, highlighting Rappe's preexisting health issues and the questionable credibility of witness Maude Delmont.
After just over five minutes of deliberation, the jury acquitted Arbuckle of all charges.
Although Arbuckle was cleared of legal guilt, his career suffered irreversible damage.
The motion picture industry initially banned him from appearing on screen, and even after the ban was lifted, audiences were hesitant to accept him.
Arbuckle continued working behind the scenes but never regained his former fame.
In 1933, he signed a contract for a full-length film, but tragically, he passed away from a heart attack on the same day.
Nearly a century later, s**ual violence remains a significant public health issue in various aspects of American society.
It affects millions of individuals each year, often going unreported due to shame, embarrassment, or fear.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports alarming statistics, with more than one in three women and one in four men experiencing s**ual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes.
Prevention plays a crucial role in combating s**ual violence.
It involves educating children and students about consent, safe dating, and healthy sexuality, creating safe environments with zero tolerance for harassment, promoting social norms that protect against s**ual violence, and providing support for survivors.
By taking these steps, we can contribute to a safer and more respectful society.
