2 outrageous frauds involving celebrity offspring

by: chill

Tue Aug 03, 2010 at 00:34:56 AM MST

Frank Sinatra, jr in kidnapping hoax?...
A rumor at the time was that this kidnapping was an attempt to gain publicity. In order to communicate with the kidnappers via payphone as they demanded, Sinatra, sr carried a roll of dimes with him throughout this ordeal, which became a life-long habit. Later, Frank Sinatra, jr stood in for his father on several TV appearances promoting the Nancy Sinatra/Frank Sinatra hit duet single "Something Stupid."

Eldest daughter of D. Wark Griffith pretends to be Adeline, Countess of Cardigan...
In London, 1922, after the worldwide success of "Birth of a Nation," Griffith's estranged daughter capitalized on his fame by publishing a false memoir in which she claimed to be a descendant of the Earl of Stradbroke. In the book, she says Disraeli propositioned her at the age of 15 and she criticizes the Queen for objecting to the marriage of widows. The book was a huge bestseller-- even after her true identity was revealed. In old age she became eccentric. Relaxing in a coffin kept in the house she would ask for opinions on her appearance. She would wear thick make-up and organize steeplechases through the local graveyard.