January 01, 1924 - Topics on Newspapers.com

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News from January 1, 1924 (Daily News, via Newspapers.com™)

The Arbuckles Divorce Amid Scandal

Minta Arbuckle, the wife of former Hollywood comedian, Roscoe Arbuckle, had her marriage legally dissolved on December 30, 1923, as per reports emerging from Providence, Rhode Island, published on January 1. Judge Barrows issued the judgment on the grounds of Roscoe’s failure to provide for Minta and his desertion of her.

Over the course of Roscoe’s trial and subsequent allegations concerning the death of Virginia Rappe – a notable movie actress, Minta remained supportively at his side. At the time, Roscoe was accused of having played a role in Virginia’s unfortunate demise, causing great turmoil in his life. Minta, despite having separated from Roscoe previously, extended a gesture of friendship by standing by him through the trial period.

Post-trial, however, Minta’s support for Roscoe waned, leading to her filing for divorce. Six months following the announcement of Judge Barrow’s decree, the termination of Minta and Roscoe’s marriage would be made absolute.

Prior to his scandalous trial, Roscoe’s career in comedy was marked with significant successes, but he wasn’t known for his generosity even during his career’s peak. This fact likely exacerbated the rift in Minta and Roscoe’s already strained marriage.

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