In 1991, a lesser-known Kennedy — William Kennedy Smith (the nephew of John F. Kennedy) — was accused of raping a woman at the Kennedy family compound in Palm Beach Florida. Smith had been out on the town on the night of March 30, along with two other Kennedys when he arrived home with a 29-year-old woman in tow, who he took for a walk along the beach.
According to the Los Angeles Times, over the course of the next 24 hours, the alleged victim was admitted to hospital with a suspected rib fracture, and some minor abrasions and bruises. The woman (who later publically identified herself as Patricia Bowman), claimed that she had sustained the injuries when Smith tackled her at the family home, holding her down and raping her by the pool. During the ensuing investigation, she also claimed that private investigators hired by Smith had been sent to intimidate her.
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When the story hit the press, it caused a sensation — especially after three more women came forward to make rape accusations against Smith. Despite the uproar, ultimately the case went nowhere; Smith argued that the sex had been consensual and was acquitted of all charges. It was not the last time he was accused of sexual assault, however — Smith’s assistant made a similar claim against him in 2004, alleging that she was raped in his Chicago apartment in 1999. The case was thrown out by the judge and never went to trial.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
