Ingrid Bergman: The Actor Whose Scandalous Affair Earned Her the Title of “Evil Influencer”

The not-so-distant past was rife with scandal, and the world of media, particularly in the UK, was known for its brutal approach.

However, it's important to acknowledge that things have significantly improved since the chaotic era of the 20th century.

During Hollywood's golden years and beyond, scandals were rampant, and the press reveled in uncovering the culprits without always holding them accountable.

These stories have become part of the movie industry's history, creating an aura of mystery around the hills of Hollywood, a place where fame and tragedy collide.

Whether it's the haunting tale of Judy Garland being forced to starve herself for a slimmer appearance or the tragic suicide of Peg Entwistle, who jumped off the iconic Hollywood sign, the reality of “Tinsel Town” is far darker than the glamorous facade it presents.

One such scandal that garnered significant public attention was the affair between actor Ingrid Bergman and renowned director Roberto Rossellini.

At the time, Bergman was married to doctor Petter Lindström.

However, when she announced that she was expecting a child with Rossellini, the couple divorced to be together.

Yet, the public couldn't overlook the fact that the beloved Casablanca star had cheated on her husband and conceived a child out of wedlock.

Surprisingly, this scandal extended beyond the lurid headlines and even reached the United States Senate.

On March 14th, 1950, during a meeting, Senator Edwin C. Johnson accused Bergman of “assaulting the institution of marriage” and labeled her as a “powerful influence for evil.”

His attack on the three-time Oscar-winning actor was unnecessarily harsh.

According to Art Buchwald, who read the fan letters sent to Bergman during the scandal, a significant portion of the mail was filled with violence and threats.

This is documented in the book Round Up the Usual Suspects: The Making of Casablanca – Bogart, Bergman, and World War II.

Buchwald recalled, “Oh, that mail was bad.

Ten, twelve, fourteen huge mail bags.

‘Dirty whore.'

‘Bitch.'

‘Son of a bitch.'

And they were all Christians who wrote it.”

Despite the controversy, Bergman and Rossellini collaborated on several acclaimed movies, including Europa '51, Viaggio in Italia, and La Paura, creating some of the greatest cinematic works of the century.

However, their relationship ended in divorce in 1957.

Bergman later married Swedish filmmaker Lars Schmidt in 1958, only to divorce him 17 years later due to the immense scrutiny she faced from the media.

In the video below, you can watch Bergman discussing her love for Rossellini and expressing her dismay at the criticism they received.