Kennedy Tapes: Do They Reveal Jackie O.’s Infidelities?

One of the more commonly cited aspects of the period in the American History known as Camelot- when John F. Kennedy and wife Jacqueline Kennedy were in the White House prior to his 1963 assassination- is JFK’s alleged womanizing habits.

The Widow Kennedy later went on to marry shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, and was widowed for the second time at the age of 46. Her place as a discreet and high-class style icon in America is well-cemented, and her influence on fashion is palpable even today. And while Jack was widely thought to avail himself of the droves of eager beaver available to a sitting president, not nearly as much attention (albeit some) has been paid to his wife’s affairs or lack thereof.

However, phone recordings Kennedy Onassis originally permitted for release fifty years after her death are set to be published or broadcast soon, 34 years ahead of schedule. Daughter Caroline- last surviving member of the Kennedy family after John, Jr.’s death in the late 90’s in a small plane crash- was given permission from her mother (prior to Kennedy Onassis’ death in 1994) to release the tapes early.

According to Brit rag the Daily Mail, historians have commented on Kennedy Onassis’ possible affairs, and the tapes may confirm the assertions. One quoted Kennedy expert opined:

‘Jackie regarded the pretty young things in the White House as superficial flings for Jack. She did retaliate by having her own affairs.

‘There was a period during which she was delighted to be able to annoy her husband with her own illicit romances.’

Affairs aren’t the only salacious topic of discussion thought to be on the tapes- Kennedy Onassis is said to have posited during a conversation that then VP Lyndon B. Johnson and a cabal of “tycoons” engineered her husband’s death.