Did Fatty Arbuckle Face False Accusations of Assaulting Virginia Rappe With a Soda Bottle?!

Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, a well-known figure in Hollywood and beloved by the masses, saw his world crumble when he was charged with the alleged rape and death of actress Virginia Rappe during a scandalous party.

The jovial life of this silent film comedian took a dark turn following these severe accusations.

Arbuckle, perplexed by the sudden shift in public opinion, remarked on the drastic change from being a cherished figure to a reviled one.

The incident occurred on September 5, 1921, at a raucous gathering in San Francisco thrown by the hefty actor, who held the distinction of being the first movie star to earn $1 million annually.

Virginia Rappe’s health deteriorated rapidly at the event, with a doctor later attributing her illness to alcohol poisoning from consuming illicit liquor.

Despite efforts to save her, Rappe passed away four days later.

A friend of hers, Bambina Maude Delmont, accused Arbuckle of s**ually assaulting Rappe and causing fatal injuries during an intoxicated encounter.

Sensationalized reports in newspapers, fueled by media barons such as William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, falsely claimed that Arbuckle had used a Coke or champagne bottle in the alleged assault.

These accusations led to a series of trials that aimed to clear Arbuckle’s name from the damaging allegations.

Arbuckle’s portrayal in the press transformed him from a gentle soul to a vile predator, despite his reputation for shyness around women.

The prosecutor, District Attorney Matthew Brady, faced intense scrutiny for his prejudiced remarks prior to the trial and his manipulation of witnesses, including a dubious star witness with a history of criminal activities.

Following a tumultuous legal battle, Arbuckle was finally acquitted in April 1922, with the jury issuing an apology for the profound injustice he endured.

However, the tarnishing effect of the scandal lingered, impacting Arbuckle’s career and personal life significantly.

Struggling to find work and solace after the trials, Arbuckle resorted to alcohol as a coping mechanism, as observed by his first wife, Araminta.

Even his former colleague Buster Keaton was reluctant to offer him employment, showcasing the extent of the damage caused by the scandal.

Despite signing a new film contract with Warner Brothers in 1933, Arbuckle’s happiness was short-lived as he tragically passed away on the same day from a heart attack at the age of 46.

The legacy of false accusations and the ensuing trials had taken a toll on the once-beloved Hollywood figure, marking a tragic end to a tumultuous chapter in his life.