A recently published book controversially claims that Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis was bisexual and demeaned his wife, Jacqueline "Jackie" Kennedy Onassis, treating her like a "prostitute." Maureen Callahan's book, "Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed," makes these assertions about Onassis, Jackie's second husband. 

Controversial Claims of Bisexuality and Mistreatment

The book contends that Onassis sought solace after the death of his son Alexander in 1973 by engaging in relationships with young Italians, whom he allegedly mistreated physically. The book also suggests that Onassis disclosed a same-sex relationship in his younger days with an older Turkish lieutenant, who purportedly secured his father's release and helped reclaim family assets in Smyrna.

"Ask Not" further portrays Onassis as treating Jackie poorly, describing their intimate encounters as coercive and degrading. Allegedly, he insisted on public or semi-public sexual acts, including on his private plane behind a curtain, on a boat tethered to his yacht, and with the bedroom door open.

When Jackie and Onassis got married in 1968 - five years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated - their tandem shocked the public. At that time, Jackie was 39, while Onassis was 62 and one of the wealthiest men in the world. Despite their financial standing, Jackie faced criticism for her relationship with the notorious womanizer, branded by some as a "public sinner." Following Onassis' death in 1975, Jackie inherited $25 million and later worked as a book editor until she died from cancer in 1994 at the age of 64. 

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JFK's Alleged Bisexuality and Infidelities

The book also explores claims made about the sexual orientation of JFK. It is alleged that JFK engaged in sexual encounters with his friend Kirk LeMoyne "Lem" Billings during their close friendship, which started in prep school, despite his Catholic upbringing. JFK is said to have been the recipient of oral sex.

The biography also asserts that JFK's partners, such as Jackie, complained to acquaintances about his lack of skill and desire for emotional connection during intimate times since his sexual experiences were infamously short and disappointing.

A shocking detail about JFK's alleged affair with a 19-year-old White House intern, Mimi Beardsley, in 1963 is also revealed in the book. JFK frequently organized pool parties at the White House. His aide, Dave Powers, reportedly invited Beardsley to join one.

Just days into her internship, Powers invited her to JFK's family home, where he allegedly got her intoxicated on daiquiris and took her on a private tour. According to Callahan, the tour ended in Jackie's bedroom, where JFK reportedly initiated a sexual encounter and took Beardsley's virginity.

Beardsley recounted this experience in her 2011 book "Once Upon a Secret," describing JFK's approach as he unbuttoned her clothing and engaged in physical intimacy. She expressed a lack of resistance, feeling overwhelmed by JFK's position and power. Despite the moral implications, Beardsley did not harbor guilt, rationalizing that she did not invade JFK's marriage but simply filled a void in JFK's life during his wife's absence.

JFK's infidelity was well-documented, with rumors of affairs circulating widely, including with prominent figures like Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich. According to Callahan, Jackie also suspected he had been involved with her sister, Lee Radziwill. JFK's behavior, characterized as serial philandering, remained an open secret in the White House during his presidency.

In conclusion, Callahan's book, "Ask Not," challenges the public perception of these historical figures, presenting provocative claims that reframe their personal lives and relationships beyond their cultivated public personas.

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