Mistresses of both political figures and celebrities are nothing new and have been prevalent throughout history. See how human behavior has changed very little in the ages ever since humans became power hungry.
When examining some of the most famous affairs in history it is important to note that humans are just that, human. It is human nature to want to love and be loved. That being said, I will start with perhaps the most controversial mistress in all of Christianity with Mary Magdalene and Jesus. While Jesus was never married and never really cheated on a wife according to history, the subject of his bloodline and if he even consummated a relationship at all is very inflammatory to the Christian canon.
Christianity from the beginning has the belief that Jesus was never with a woman sexually, hence the reason Catholic priests take vows of chastity. If this belief were challenged or proven otherwise it would shake the foundations of the Christian church and change an entire belief system.
Henry VIII of England had many marriages and many mistresses. A new book out earlier this year on the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s reign reveals that history doesn’t tell much about the mistresses that King Henry VIII had that didn’t become queen.
Former governor of New York Eliot Spitzer is the most famous recent example of mistresses bringing down a polician. His fall from grace in 2008 was well documented in the media and in political blogs. His call girl, Ashley Alexandra Dupre is taking advantage of her popularity and making some money for herself.
John F. Kennedy’s affair with Marilyn Monroe didn’t come out until after he was assassinated but imagine the damage to his image had it been made public. Camelot would have been crushed and our rosy image of the White House would have been gone forever.
Hugh Grant’s affair with a prostitute caused quite a scandal and his image as a good boy was tarnished. It didn’t hurt his career too much as he is still one of Hollywood’s hottest actors.
Joey Buttafuoco became famous when his wife was shot by his then-seventeen year old girlfriend Amy Fisher. After many trials and tribulations, Buttafuoco tried to patch up his relationship with Amy Fisher to no avail.
Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about his affair with Monica Lewinsky. Luckily our leader wasn’t removed from office otherwise Congress would have been a laughingstock for getting rid of a President for having an extramarital affair. Like that’s never been done before in the White House. Lewinsky has since written books and gone on book tours.
David Letterman is the most recent example of someone famous who has had affairs. His recent somewhat humorous apology has been big news to the entertainment industry.
Thomas Jefferson was thought to have been intimate with Sally Hemings, a slave at his Monticello home. There were hints and allegations of the affair way back in 1802 newspapers that were only recently acknowledged by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. The findings were disputed by the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society.
Perhaps the saddest affair in history is that of Prince Charles, heir to the throne of England, and Camilla Parker Bowles. Even though Prince Charles met Camilla Parker Bowles long before he married Princess Diana, I have to wonder what would have happened to the mother of Prince William and Prince Harold had Prince Charles been happier with his marriage to Diana.
