New Book Details John F. Kennedy's Extensive Sexual History

A new book by biographer Laurence Leamer, titled "Ladies' Man: The Careless Heart of John F. Kennedy," alleges that former President John F. Kennedy maintained an insatiable and "nearly uncontrollable" sexual appetite throughout his life, pursuing an estimated thousands of women. The book, set for release on October 20, details Kennedy's sexual encounters from his teenage years through his presidency.

Leamer suggests that Kennedy's compulsive sexual behavior is central to understanding the man and the president. The biographer posits that Kennedy's chronic illness, including Addison's disease, may have contributed to a "carpe diem spirit on steroids," fueling his pursuit of numerous affairs.

According to the book, Kennedy's sexual exploits began at age 17 when he reportedly lost his virginity at a Harlem brothel with a classmate. Leamer's account details Kennedy's continued pursuit of women at Harvard University and later as a senator and president. The book claims that while in the White House, Kennedy sometimes had multiple young women available simultaneously and engaged in affairs with White House interns. One such intern, Mimi Beardsley, later known as Mimi Alford, has publicly spoken about her affair with Kennedy.

Leamer's research indicates that Kennedy's affairs included encounters with aristocrats, models, secretaries, and even a woman known by the nickname 'Pooh.' The book also touches on Kennedy's relationship with Danish journalist Inga Arvad, which attracted FBI scrutiny due to suspicions of her being a spy, and his romance with Swedish aristocrat Gunilla von Post shortly before his marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier.

Despite marrying Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953, Kennedy's infidelity reportedly continued. The book describes an incident in 1956, while Jacqueline Kennedy was heavily pregnant, where John F. Kennedy traveled to Europe to party and reportedly had an affair with 'Pooh,' leading to significant marital strain after the stillbirth of their daughter, Arabella.

Further details in the book include allegations that Kennedy appointed Pamela Turnure as his wife's press secretary while simultaneously conducting an affair with her. The book also notes Kennedy's alleged affairs with public figures such as Marilyn Monroe and Judith Exner, the latter of whom was reportedly also involved with mob boss Sam Giancana. Leamer suggests this connection to organized crime could have presented a blackmail risk, though no specific instances are identified.

Leamer's work asserts that Kennedy's sexual behavior began early, influenced in part by his father Joseph P. Kennedy's own serial infidelity. The book also notes Kennedy's tendency to avoid emotional connection, quoting a former Stanford student who said Kennedy's favorite phrase was, "Slam, Bam, Thank You, Ma'am." Kennedy reportedly told the student, "I'm not interested once I get a woman. I like the conquest. That's the challenge. It's the chase I like - not the kill."