The TRUE Story of Feud: Capote vs The Swans

The TRUE Story of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be taking a deep dive into the scandalous real-life events that inspired the second season of the anthology series, “Feud.”

Summary & Plot Synopsis of the Season

After a triumphant first season, which delved into the intense rivalry between Hollywood actresses Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, “Feud” was quickly renewed. Originally intended to explore the relationship between Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the second season’s narrative eventually shifted to acclaimed writer Truman Capote and his circle of high-society New York socialites. The sensational narrative is brought to life by an impressive line-up of A-list actors including Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Demi Moore, Chloë Sevigny and of course, Jessica Lange.

But who really was Truman Capote? And what led up to the dramatic fallout between him and the jet setting socialites referred to as his swans?

Who Was Truman Capote?

Born in 1924 in Louisiana, Truman Capote always knew he was going to be a writer. After cutting his teeth penning short stories, Capote gained widespread acclaim for his novels “Breakfast at Tiffany's,” later adapted into the classic film starring Audrey Hepburn, and the nonfiction masterpiece “In Cold Blood.” The latter, about the 1959 Clutter family murders, became an instant success and is often credited with sparking a global fascination with true crime. Capote was an intriguing personality. In addition to his unique high-pitched voice and unconventional fashion style, he was also known for weaving sensational tales. In many ways, this would lead to his eventual downfall.

Capote’s Rise to Manhattan High Society

The success of “In Cold Blood” granted Capote access into the elite circles of New York City. Even more, his penchant for embellishing encounters with the most famous people at the time made him seem a lot more connected than he actually was. The same year the book was released, Capote solidified his position in high society by hosting the exclusive Black and White Ball in honor of Katharine Graham, the publisher of The Washington Post. He was now fully integrated into Manhattan’s social elite, forming a tight-knit circle of female friends he fondly referred to as his Swans.

Who Were the Swans?

The women who made up Capote’s Swans were the who’s who of New York City socialites. Renowned for their opulent wealth, lavish fashion sense and globe-trotting lifestyle, these women shared a close bond with Capote. They frequently attended New York events together and accompanied him on several international trips. While the real-life swans included a few other socialites, the second season of “Feud” focuses on Capote’s relationship with just five women: Babe Paley, Slim Keith, Lee Radziwill, C. Z. Guest and Ann Woodward.

Babe Paley

As the former fashion editor for Vogue, Babe Paley was known for her impeccable sense of style. Time magazine even recognized her as the world’s second best-dressed woman in 1941. Paley was married twice, adopting the last name of her second husband, William S. Paley, one of the founders of CBS. The renowned socialite cultivated her high society status for years, reportedly at the expense of a good relationship with her children. In the words of Truman Capote, “Babe Paley had only one fault: She was perfect. Otherwise, she was perfect.”

Slim Keith

Dubbed the original “California Girl,” Slim Keith was renowned for her striking beauty and athletic prowess. Naturally, she caught the attention of several influential men including Clark Gable and Ernest Hemingway. However, despite their persistent advances, Keith ultimately chose to marry film director Howard Hawks. Interestingly, it was Keith who pulled famed actress Lauren Bacall into the limelight, after showing Hanks her picture in a magazine. Keith later parted ways with the director as a result of his infidelity and eventually married British aristocrat Kenneth Keith.

Lee Radziwill

In the late 1960s, Truman Capote formed a close relationship with Lee Radziwill after he was hired to write the script for a television movie she was set to star in. Beyond her foray into acting, Radziwill was also a PR executive and a prominent interior decorator with a bank of wealthy clientele. But she was perhaps best known for being the younger sister of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Although Babe Paley was Capote’s primary female companion in the latter part of the ‘60s, as the ‘70s unfolded, Radziwill eventually assumed that role.

C. Z. Guest

C. Z. Guest could do it all. Born into an upper class family among Boston’s elite, Guest was an actress, author, columnist, horsewoman and fashion designer. She often adorned herself in sophisticated, clean-cut pieces by luxury designers, earning her a reputation as a fashion icon. Beyond the pages of style magazines, Guest also became a muse for esteemed painters and visual artists like Diego Rivera, Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol. In 1947, she married Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, the first cousin of British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.

Ann Woodward

Of all the swans, Ann Woodward had the most tragic story. Once a showgirl, Woodward wiggled her way into the upper echelons of society after marrying banking heir William Woodward Jr. In 1955, Woodward fatally shot her husband in their home, claiming that she had mistaken him for a burglar. Although she never faced criminal charges, the incident stirred controversy in New York and led to Woodward being ostracized from much of high society. Sadly, her association with Capote would further contribute to her downfall.

The Feud

The feud between Truman Capote and his swans originated from his unfinished tell-all novel, “Answered Prayers.” Although incomplete at the time, Capote decided to publish four chapters of the book in Esquire magazine in 1975 and 1976. The most sensational one titled “La Côte Basque 1965,” exposed the dirty secrets and scandals of Capote’s swans through thinly veiled characters, some of whose names were not even changed. Capote revealed gossip about the British royal family, sparked rumors of extramarital affairs and accused Ann Woodward of intentionally killing her husband. Needless to say, the publication of this chapter caused an uproar in New York high society and made Capote’s swans feel betrayed.

The Swans Hit Back

So how did they respond to all of their dirty laundry becoming public knowledge? Apparently, even before Esquire published the controversial chapters, Woodward caught wind of their scandalous content. The potential aftermath of their publication allegedly drove her to take her own life in October 1975. As for the other women, they decided that it was Capote’s unfettered access into their lives that had paved the way for this scandal. The only way to prevent such from ever happening again was to sever all ties with him. Consequently, Capote found himself ostracized from elite social circles, with none of his swans ever speaking to him again.

Capote’s Ostracized Life & Eventual Death

The fallout from “La Côte Basque 1965” caught Capote completely off guard. The book he once described as a lethal gun, for all of its tantalizing revelations, ultimately became the weapon that killed his social life. Now estranged from his once tight-knit circle, Capote’s substance use disorder worsened, leading to multiple rehab stints. From then on, his behavior in public grew more and more erratic. Capote underwent plastic surgery and experienced a hallucination-based seizure in 1980, after which he largely retreated from public life. On August 25th 1984, Capote passed away from liver disease. Upon hearing the news of his death, longtime rival Gore Vidal described it as “a wise career move.”

With such a sensational subject, witty writing and powerhouse performances, “Feud” seems poised for yet another exceptional season. Will you be watching? Let us know in the comments what parts you’re most excited to see.