Feud: Capote vs The Swans explores Truman Capote's tumultuous life and feuds, including his rocky relationship with Gore Vidal. But why did Gore Vidal sue Capote? Did Gore Vidal ever forgive Truman Capote?
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What Happened With Truman Capote and Gore Vidal?
Feud: Capote Vs the Swans mainly focused on Capote's fallout with New York socialites after the publication of his book -- a thinly-veiled version of their scandalous lives.
However, other aspects of the author's complicated life are also depicted in Ryan Murphy's show, and some fans feel that Gore Vidal and Truman Capote's feud could be its own season in the show.
Episode 6 of Feud's second season, titled "Hats, Gloves, and Effete Homosexuals" delves into Capote's rivalry with Gore Vidal (1925-2012), one of his contemporaries, who was also a queer writer.
The two authors were long-standing rivals despite having a similar background.
In 1975, the feud culminated with Vidal suing Capote for slander.
Capote was reportedly spreading rumors about Vidal's conduct during a party held by the then-President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
According to those rumors, Vidal had been kicked out of the White House due to becoming drunk at the event.
While Capote sought the support of Lee Radziwill, one of New York's socialites, she ultimately declined to take Capote's part.
Did Vidal Ever Forgive Capote?
Vidal never publicly forgave Capote and their feud continued until the latter's death in 1984 at the age of 59.
When he was informed of Capote's death, Vidal famously referred to it as "a wise career move."
By the time of his death, Capote has fallen out with much of New York's high society, including the titular swans whose rejection of him is explored in Ryan Murphy's TV series.
Similarly, most of the swans never forgave Capote.
The actors portraying them, of course, are a little more forgiving, realizing the nuances of Capote's life and the responsibility that comes with sensitively portraying real people.
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