In the year 1921, Virginia Rappe was present at a gathering organized by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco on September 5.
Just four days later, she met her untimely death under circumstances that could be straight out of a Hollywood script.
Born in 1895, Rappe, as reported by the Independent, was known for her work as a silent film actress, designer, and model.
Additionally, Smithsonian Magazine notes that she had a reputation as a notable “party girl.”
Back in 1917, Rappe shared the screen, albeit uncredited, with Arbuckle in “His Wedding Night.”
PBS highlights that during the 1910s, Arbuckle was among the most prominent stars.
As of 1921, Arbuckle was riding high on the success of his latest film, “Crazy to Marry,” according to PBS.
The Labor Day Party thrown was in celebration of this triumph and his signing of a million-dollar contract with Paramount Studios.
The event was meticulously arranged by his friend Fred Fischbach, who arranged three hotel rooms and discreetly provided alcohol to the guests during the prohibition era.
Fate took its course as Rappe, his former co-star, was a guest at the party, where reports suggest they indulged in drinks together.
A witness named Maude Delmont recounted to the authorities that she saw Arbuckle leading Rappe into room 1219, whispering words that hinted at a long-awaited rendezvous.
Soon after, screams were heard, and upon opening the door, Arbuckle found Rappe in distress on the bed, as described by Smithsonian Magazine.
The events that unfolded in room 1219 took a dark turn when Rappe, upon Delmont’s entrance, implicated Arbuckle in her suffering, stating “Arbuckle did it.”
She was then moved to another room and attended to by a hotel physician, but her condition worsened.
Despite being taken to a hospital, Rappe succumbed to a ruptured bladder on September 9, 1921.
Allegations of s**ual assault and the weight of Arbuckle’s stature being a factor in her demise quickly surfaced, leading to his arrest on manslaughter charges a day later.
Contrasting Delmont’s narrative, Arbuckle maintained his innocence, asserting that Rappe’s discomfort arose from excessive alcohol consumption, causing her distress.
The Independent reveals that Arbuckle faced three trials, with the initial two resulting in mistrials.
Throughout the legal battles, the defense aimed to discredit Delmont’s credibility and portray Rappe as a woman of questionable character.
During the trial, the hotel doctor attested that Rappe had denied any assault by Arbuckle.
The defense also cast aspersions on Rappe’s character, painting her as morally loose and enduring prolonged health issues preceding the ill-fated party.
Despite the absence of physical evidence indicating violence, Arbuckle’s reputation suffered irreparable damage.
Following the presentation of Rappe’s autopsy report, which refuted claims of assault, Arbuckle was acquitted of manslaughter in April 1922 after his final trial.
The jury exonerated him, emphasizing his innocence, yet public opinion remained skeptical.
Arbuckle’s career spiraled downward, facing an industry ban and substantial financial losses.
His attempt at a comeback under a different name proved futile, culminating in his death in 1933.
Virginia Rappe’s legacy is overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her passing, with unanswered questions lingering over the true circumstances of her demise and Arbuckle’s involvement.
Her final resting place at Hollywood Forever Cemetery serves as a reminder of a life cut short amidst a tale of tragedy and infamy.
