Tales of President John F. Kennedy’s infidelities during his 10‑year marriage to First Lady Jackie Kennedy circulated even before his death in 1963. In fact, throughout their marriage, both John and Jackie were known for engaging in extramarital relationships. From a brief liaison with Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich, to rumored affairs with Marilyn Monroe, to relationships with White House secretaries, Kennedy’s list of infidelities is notably extensive.
Stay tuned as we explore the details of every woman the 35th President of the United States is alleged to have had an affair with.
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### Judith Exner
Judith Exner, a woman who played a pivotal role in connecting Kennedy and mobster Sam Giancana, stirred significant controversy when she claimed to have had an abortion after becoming pregnant with the President’s child. In a 1988 interview with *People*, Exner—the daughter of a well‑off architect—portrayed Kennedy as incredibly loving, concerned about her feelings, considerate, and gentle during their affair.
Despite the clandestine nature of Kennedy’s relationships, rumors and revelations circulated widely, and Exner’s memoir *My Story*, published in 1977, added another layer of intrigue to the public’s understanding of Kennedy’s personal life. Long‑time gossip columnist Liz Smith extensively covered Exner’s revelations and claimed that Jackie Kennedy was not entirely caught off guard by the information.
Smith revealed that Jackie’s close friends, including Truman Capote and Gore Vidal, indicated that she was well aware of Kennedy’s affairs—including the one with Judith Exner—and followed media coverage on the topic with keen interest. Judith Exner’s life took a tragic turn when she succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 65 in 1999. Her story, filled with complexities and intertwining relationships, remains a fascinating chapter in the broader narrative of Kennedy’s personal life and the intricate dynamics that defined his presidency.
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### Mary Pinchot Meyer
In the intricate web of President John F. Kennedy’s alleged affairs, the chapter involving Mary Pinchot Meyer adds another layer of complexity. Before Kennedy’s untimely death in 1963, he reportedly shared an affair with Meyer, who happened to be the sister‑in‑law of renowned *Washington Post* editor Ben Bradlee.
The revelation of their relationship emerged when a four‑page letter from Kennedy resurfaced in an online auction, shedding light on the clandestine nature of their connection. In this rediscovered letter, Kennedy’s words reveal a desire to break away from the constraints of suburban life, urging Meyer to visit him either at his residence on the Cape or in Boston on the 19th.
The letter captures a mix of longing and anticipation, with Kennedy expressing the irrationality of their liaison but also the potential for shared moments he imagines she might love. Kennedy’s plea is poignant as he writes: “You say that it is good for me not to get what I want after all of these years. You should give me a more loving answer than that. Why don’t you just say yes?”
This emotional plea hints at the complexity and intensity of their relationship, offering a glimpse into the personal side of the charismatic president. The narrative takes a tragic turn a year after Kennedy’s assassination, as Mary Pinchot Meyer met an untimely end in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Her death, marked by unresolved circumstances, adds an air of mystery to the broader narrative, leaving questions unanswered and contributing to the enigma surrounding the lives of those connected to President Kennedy.
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### Mimi Alford
In the mosaic of John F. Kennedy’s alleged affairs, the account of White House intern Mimi Alford adds a personal and intimate dimension. Alford detailed her 18‑month relationship with Kennedy in her revealing 2012 memoir *Once Upon a Secret: My Affair with John F. Kennedy and Its Aftermath*.
Alford emphasizes that Kennedy was not seeking a relationship to replace his marriage, framing their liaison instead as a complex interplay of emotions and power. The narrative unfolds when Alford—just 19 years old and only a few days into her new position at the White House—found herself entangled in a seductive encounter with the charismatic president.
The rendezvous began innocently enough, with Kennedy inviting Alford for drinks and a private tour of the White House. However, the atmosphere shifted and, in what he ironically referred to as “Mrs. Kennedy’s room,” the president made his move.
This encounter, unfolding against the backdrop of the iconic White House, adds layers of complexity to Kennedy’s public persona, revealing a more intimate and private side. Alford’s memoir provides a firsthand account of the dynamics at play during those 18 months, shedding light on power imbalances and personal struggle within the intricate web of relationships surrounding the president.
### Blaze Starr
Blaze Starr, a celebrated stripper, unveiled her brief affair with John F. Kennedy, adding another intriguing chapter to the narrative of the 35th president’s alleged liaisons. In a candid interview with *People* magazine in 1989, Starr revealed that she harbored hopes of continuing the affair once Kennedy ascended to the presidency.
However, the unfolding Cuban Missile Crisis disrupted her plans for a rendezvous with the president in the Lincoln Bedroom, marking an unexpected turn in their dalliance. Their initial encounter transpired in 1954, when the future president—then a congressman—frequented her Maryland strip club, the Crossroads.
This unconventional meeting set the stage for a brief yet impactful connection between the two. In her interview, Starr painted a vivid picture of Kennedy, describing him as “very quick and very wild.” She emphasized his confident and experienced demeanor, noting that “he knew exactly what he was doing with girls.”
Intriguingly, Starr added a light‑hearted touch, stating that Kennedy’s well‑known back issues didn’t hinder his abilities, asserting, “No, that bad back didn’t faze him.” Her account provides a glimpse into the personal and perhaps unexpected aspects of Kennedy’s life before the presidency and adds nuance to the private life of one of America’s most iconic leaders.
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### Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich, the legendary German actress, adds a captivating twist to the tapestry of alleged Kennedy affairs. Her daughter, Maria Riva, claimed that Dietrich had entanglements not only with patriarch Joe Kennedy but also with his son, President John F. Kennedy, within the White House itself.
According to Riva’s account, Dietrich received an invitation to join the president for drinks in September 1963 during her visit to Washington, D.C., where she was performing a one‑woman show. At the age of 60, Dietrich allegedly experienced a clumsy pass from Kennedy, who, cognizant of the ticking clock, remarked that they had limited time before her show commenced in 30 minutes.
Journal entries from Kenneth Tynan, submitted to *The New Yorker*, shed light on this one‑time encounter. As the narrative goes, Kennedy, displaying his trademark charm, quipped, “I hope you aren’t in a hurry.” Dietrich, with a commitment awaiting her, responded that 2,000 Jews were waiting to give her a plaque at 7:00 p.m., and it was now 6:30.
Undeterred, Kennedy reportedly replied, “That doesn’t give us much time, does it?” The encounter, as recounted by Dietrich to Tynan, concluded “sweetly and very soon.” The affair, encapsulated in a mere 20 minutes, ended with Kennedy drifting off to sleep, and Dietrich having to rouse the president and guide him back to her car to ensure she made it to the ceremony on time.
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### Pamela Turnure
The intricate web of John F. Kennedy’s romantic liaisons expands further with the inclusion of Pamela Turnure, rumored to have shared a brief romance with the president. As detailed in Larry J. Sabato’s book *The Kennedy Half‑Century*, Turnure—renowned for her striking resemblance to First Lady Jackie Kennedy—reportedly engaged in a clandestine affair with Kennedy that spanned two years, commencing in 1961 when she was just 21 years old.
Intriguingly, Kennedy is believed to have played a role in Turnure’s professional trajectory, advocating for her employment as Jackie’s press secretary after she had previously served as his own secretary during his tenure as a senator.
The dynamics of this purported affair add layers to the intricate relationships within the Kennedy circle, highlighting the president’s alleged influence on professional appointments and the intersection of personal and professional spheres.
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### Priscilla Wear (“Fiddle”)
Amidst the tapestry of John F. Kennedy’s rumored affairs, another thread emerges with the inclusion of White House staff member Priscilla Wear, affectionately nicknamed “Fiddle.” The alleged affair between Kennedy and Wear was not only the subject of speculation but also reportedly caught the attention of Jackie Kennedy herself.
Reports suggest that Jackie, conversing in French with a *Paris Match* reporter, pointedly remarked, “This is the girl that’s sleeping with my husband,” referring to Wear. This revelation—shared by Kennedy PR aide Barbara Gamarekian—adds a layer of complexity to the intricate dynamics within the Kennedy household.
The nickname “Fiddle” persists in discussions about Wear’s alleged involvement with Kennedy, and her story is detailed in biographies by authors such as Larry Sabato and Seymour Hersh.
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### Jill Cowan (“Faddle”)
Within the intricate tapestry of White House secrets, another intriguing figure emerges: Jill Cowan, a fellow secretary working alongside Priscilla Wear in the White House press office. While Cowan has maintained silence about her own relationship with President Kennedy, she has shared insights into his admiration for his wife Jackie.
According to Cowan, Kennedy took great pride in Jackie’s meticulous record‑keeping. She noted that the president was “very proud of the fact Mrs. Kennedy had kept a book of all the place settings and pictures of the flowers—the whole sort of personal touches in the White House.”
This glimpse into Kennedy’s personal life adds complexity to his public image, showcasing his appreciation for the details that made the White House a home. In the labyrinth of White House affairs, Cowan herself was given the nickname “Faddle.” Together with Priscilla Wear, they became collectively known as “Fiddle and Faddle,” a cryptic nomenclature that only adds to the mystique surrounding relationships in the Kennedy administration.
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### Gunilla von Post
Within the enigmatic pages of White House history, a chapter unfolds through the words of Swedish socialite Gunilla von Post. Her memoir *Love, Jack* claims a clandestine connection with President John F. Kennedy that spanned six years, commencing in 1953.
Their first encounter occurred when von Post, a 21‑year‑old Swede, and the 36‑year‑old Kennedy found themselves on the sun‑kissed shores of the French Riviera. In the memoir, she vividly recounted the transformative moment: “He turned and kissed me tenderly and my breath was taken away. The brightness of the moon and stars made his eyes appear bluer than the ocean beneath us.”
The romance unfolded despite the impending marriage of Kennedy to Jackie in a mere three weeks. Despite the imminent nuptials, von Post and Kennedy maintained their connection. Two years later, they rendezvoused once more; in this meeting, von Post alleges that Kennedy contemplated divorcing Jackie to be with her.
However, the specter of scandal loomed large, and Kennedy—advised by his father—chose the path of political prudence, opting to preserve his marriage and burgeoning political career.
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### Angie Dickinson
In the intricate tapestry of Kennedy’s alleged affairs, actress Angie Dickinson’s story unfolds with crooner Frank Sinatra serving as the unexpected link between her and John F. Kennedy. Their paths converged at a party hosted by Kennedy’s sister Pat in Santa Monica—a fateful meeting preceding the 1960 Democratic Convention.
Subsequently, Dickinson found herself drawn into the orbit of the presidential campaign. However, amid the political fervor, her narrative takes an intimate turn.
Author Jed Mercurio, in his novel *American Adulterer*, delves into Dickinson’s perspective, where she reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Kennedy’s stamina in the bedroom. This revelation adds a nuanced layer to the complex dynamics between Kennedy and the women who allegedly shared fleeting moments with the charismatic president.
Dickinson’s account—interwoven with political intrigue and personal revelations—offers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Kennedy’s relationships during a pivotal era in American history.
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### Ellen Rometsch
In the labyrinth of tales surrounding President John F. Kennedy’s personal life, the enigmatic figure of Ellen Rometsch emerges as a captivating character. A 27‑year‑old German woman often described as a high‑class call girl, Rometsch is rumored to have been deported under the directives of Robert Kennedy due to the potentially revealing stories she held about his brother’s escapades.
Adding a cinematic touch to the narrative, Rometsch—often likened to the iconic Elizabeth Taylor—is said to have graced the White House during nude pool parties in the spring of 1963. Whispers suggest that her visits weren’t merely social; rather, she allegedly sought intimate encounters with the charismatic president on more than one occasion.
These clandestine affairs and rumored escapades paint a vivid picture of a White House shrouded in secrecy and allure, where figures like Rometsch became ephemeral stars in the untold stories of Kennedy’s personal life.
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### Audrey Hepburn
Delving further into the intricate tapestry of President Kennedy’s alleged romantic entanglements, another captivating figure surfaces: the iconic Audrey Hepburn. In the biography *Jack and Jackie: Portrait of an American Marriage* by Christopher Andersen, former White House secretary Mary Gallagher claims a clandestine affair between Kennedy and the *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* star.
According to Gallagher, Audrey Hepburn possessed an intoxicating laugh mirroring her on‑screen persona, coupled with a distinctly sexy and “naughty” side that remained concealed from the public eye.
The affair between Kennedy and Hepburn, whispered about behind closed doors, managed to evade the scrutinizing gaze of the press. The clandestine nature of their connection, far from diminishing its intensity, reportedly added an extra layer of allure and secrecy.
As these narratives unfold, Audrey Hepburn becomes a mysterious muse in the saga of Kennedy’s alleged romantic liaisons, offering a glimpse into the more enigmatic aspects of his personal life.
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### Gene Tierney
In the intricate tapestry of President John F. Kennedy’s alleged romantic involvements, a recurring motif emerges: a penchant for entanglements with Hollywood luminaries. Among these star‑studded liaisons, one of the more illustrious dalliances was with the captivating Gene Tierney.
The affair between Kennedy and Tierney is said to have transpired around 1948, a period when Tierney was still married. This rendezvous adds another layer of glamour and allure to Kennedy’s romantic history as it intertwines with the golden era of Hollywood.
As the narrative unfolds, Gene Tierney becomes a compelling figure in the intricate dance of love and secrecy that is said to have characterized Kennedy’s romantic escapades.
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### Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Hollywood actress, stands out as one of the most widely discussed figures in the realm of President John F. Kennedy’s alleged affairs. Investigative reporter Seymour Hersh delved into these speculations in his book *The Dark Side of Camelot*, where Monroe was named as one of Kennedy’s mistresses.
On the night of May 19th, 1962, during a fundraising event and early celebration for President Kennedy, Monroe made a memorable entrance onto the Madison Square Garden stage. She gracefully shed her glamorous fur coat, revealing a skintight, rhinestone‑encrusted gown, and approached the microphone.
In her signature sultry yet oddly child‑like voice, Monroe serenaded the president with the famous words, “Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” followed by the classic refrain, “Happy birthday to you.” This alluring performance, laden with sensuality and conspicuously lacking Jackie’s presence, intensified public speculation about a secret romantic connection between the Hollywood sex symbol and the commander‑in‑chief.
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Remarkably, this spectacle did not include Kennedy’s wife Jackie, and Monroe’s captivating act became fodder for years of intense speculation—especially after her untimely death just months later. In the aftermath, tabloids churned out reports filled with falsehoods and manipulated photos, contributing to the enduring mystique surrounding the rumored relationship between Monroe and President Kennedy.
Imagining a romance between Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy is undeniably enticing, given that they were among the world’s most famous and attractive figures at the time. Rumors of the president’s extramarital affairs were widespread, adding fuel to the speculation.
However, when it comes to the alleged Monroe–Kennedy relationship, hard proof appears to be scant. According to various sources, including historian Donald Spoto, author of the 1993 book *Marilyn Monroe: The Biography*, accounts suggest that Kennedy and Monroe had limited opportunities to encounter each other.
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In April 1957, both reportedly attended the “April in Paris” Ball at the Waldorf‑Astoria Hotel in New York City, but they did not meet. They were accompanied by their respective spouses—Monroe with playwright Arthur Miller, and Kennedy (then a senator) with Jacqueline—and the event hosted over 1,000 people.
In 1961, rumors circulated that Monroe and the newly elected president attended a dinner party at the Santa Monica home of actor Peter Lawford. Lawford’s wife, Patricia Kennedy Lawford—Kennedy’s sister—was a close friend of Monroe. However, despite Kennedy’s presence at Lawford’s luncheon that day, there is no firm confirmation that Monroe was also there.
Historians suggest that the most plausible opportunity for an affair would have been on March 24th, 1962. Monroe and Kennedy were believed to be at Bing Crosby’s Palm Springs home for a party.
In Spoto’s biography, Ralph Roberts, a close friend and masseur to Monroe, claimed that during a phone call with her that weekend, he heard what sounded like Kennedy’s voice in the background. Monroe had sought professional massage advice from Roberts, and Kennedy—known for his back problems—allegedly even took the phone to speak with him directly.
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Actress Susan Strasberg, another close friend of Monroe, supported this account in her unpublished memoir. According to Strasberg, Marilyn enjoyed the secrecy and drama of a liaison with a charismatic president and considered it acceptable. However, Kennedy didn’t fit the profile of the man Monroe envisioned spending her life with, and she made that explicitly clear.
If they were indeed together at Bing Crosby’s home on the specified date, it’s plausible that Kennedy might have asked Monroe that night to perform at his birthday celebration. At the time, Monroe was working on the film *Something’s Got to Give* and faced challenges with sinusitis and barbiturate dependence, both of which contributed to delays in the movie’s schedule.
She managed to fly to New York to honor her commitment to the president. However, the studio seized this pre‑planned absence as a pretext to cancel the film, placing the blame on Monroe and initiating a lawsuit for breach of contract. In reality, she had previously requested the time off to attend the gala, and the film was already facing setbacks due to frequent script rewrites.
The birthday fundraiser marked the last documented occasion when Kennedy and Monroe might have intersected. Following her supposedly scandalous “Happy Birthday” performance, Monroe transitioned into singing “Thanks for the Memory,” featuring lyrics she had tailored specifically for the president.
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When Kennedy stepped up to express his gratitude, he remarked, “I can now retire from politics after having had ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.”
After the event, the only existing photo of the two public figures together was captured by White House photographer Cecil Stoughton at a crowded after‑party hosted at the residence of movie executive Arthur Krim.
Interestingly, before her performance that night, Monroe was introduced as “the late Marilyn Monroe”—a playful reference to her frequent tardiness on film sets. In hindsight, the phrase takes on a haunting tone. Less than three months later, on August 5th, 1962, Marilyn was discovered dead from a barbiturate overdose in her Los Angeles home at the age of 36.
While conspiracy theories persist—some involving the Kennedy family and an alleged cover‑up—her death is widely accepted as either suicide or an accidental overdose. Exactly one year later, on November 22nd, 1963, President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 46.
As for their alleged affair, most accounts suggest it was, at most, a brief encounter or one‑night liaison rather than a long‑term relationship.
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In contemporary times, if a sitting president were proven guilty of even half of what Kennedy was alleged to have been involved in, the media frenzy would likely devour them, resulting in a scandal that could significantly tarnish their reputation and credibility.
However, Kennedy stood out uniquely. He managed to evoke remarkable affection and loyalty from his team members and supporters. Despite the intricate logistics of his liaisons—demanding secrecy and discretion—his warm personality and magnetic charisma served as his secret weapons.
Kennedy was convinced that his amiable relationships with influential members of the press would act as a shield, protecting him from public exposure of his private love life. For the most part, he was right; many of these stories did not fully surface until decades later.
Were you aware of the extent of Kennedy’s romantic involvements, and did any revelations about the women mentioned in this video surprise you? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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