Clark Gable Accused Of Raping Co-Star

In 1998, Loretta Young, a renowned actress from Classic Hollywood, found herself contemplating whether she had been a victim of date rape by one of the most prominent stars in history.

At 85 years old, Young was living a luxurious life in Palm Springs alongside her husband, French fashion designer Jean Louis, until his passing in 1997.

Their glamorous presence together captivated attention wherever they went.

Although primarily recognized for her groundbreaking television show, The Loretta Young Show during the 1950s, Young had a longstanding career in film dating back to her screen debut at the age of 3 in 1917.

Her iconic doe eyes and name remained familiar even to those born before 1950, despite her gradual retreat from the limelight.

Notably, Young was involved in a significant Hollywood scandal when, at 23 years old in 1935, she became pregnant with Clark Gable's child while he was married to another woman.

Over the following two years, Young concealed the pregnancy, birth, and subsequent adoption of her daughter, a secret that only surfaced posthumously in her memoir released in 2000.

Despite persistent rumors of infidelity, Young maintained her image as a devout Catholic, known for enforcing strict moral standards on set.

Young's curiosity about the concept of date rape was sparked while watching Larry King Live, leading her to seek explanations from her friend Edward Funk and daughter-in-law Linda Lewis.

Upon learning about date rape, Young made a startling revelation that it paralleled her experience with Clark Gable.

Through discussions with Young's family and biographer, it becomes evident that Young's silence regarding her daughter's paternity was an attempt to regain control over her life after experiencing a violation of her agency.

To comprehend Young's actions, one must acknowledge societal attitudes towards women facing s–ual advances, the constraints imposed by Hollywood during the 1930s, and the stringent studio system that enforced certain behaviors from stars like Gable and Young.

While this narrative delves into historical events, its relevance persists today amidst ongoing allegations such as those against Bill Cosby and recent revelations of abuse within the entertainment industry.

Young's elaborate cover-up, once viewed as absurd, now serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power dynamics and structures, encompassing patriarchy and the entertainment world, that obstruct the telling of such stories.