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'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans': Hulu show exposes scandalous secrets of Bill and Babe Paley's turbulent marriage

In Hulu's ongoing show, 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans' Babe Paley is shown as the favorite Swan of Truman Capote

Contains spoilers for 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The glitzy world of high society takes center stage in Hulu's 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans', wherein the dark realities amongst the glitz and glamour are explored. 

One such dark reality that attracts the spotlight in the show is Bill Paley's (Treat Williams) relationship with his second wife, Babe Paley (Naomi Watts). She faces the worst relationship-ending situation: adultery.

Who is Babe Paley in 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans'? 

Barbara Cushing Mortimer Paley, who was affectionately known as Babe Paley, is shown as the favorite swan of Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) in the series. A group of affluent women in New York City high society were given the moniker 'The Swans' by Captoe.

Babe came from a prominent family of renowned medical specialists. Her introduction to fashion began in 1938 when she started working as a fashion editor for Vogue magazine.

Babe met and married her first husband, Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr., an established individual in New York's social circles, in 1940. However, their marriage was short-lived due to Paley's extravagant lifestyle.

How did Bill Paley meet Babe Paley in 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans'?

Shortly after her divorce from her first husband, Babe met and married broadcasting giant Bill Paley in 1947. The marriage was reportedly plagued by several problems, not least the suggestions of infidelity.

The series' opening scene establishes Bill's philandering behavior when Babe tells Capote about her husband's secret affair. Babe also admits that she was aware of it and assumed it had ended long ago.

How did Babe Paley handle Bill Paley's infidelity in 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans'?

Babe continued to live her socially elite, high-class lifestyle while turning a blind eye to her husband's adulterous behavior, as shown in the series itself.

During a dramatic incident, Babe confessed to Capote about Bill's infidelity. The well-known author consoled her and advised her to stay quiet about Bill's actions. Further, he recommended her to ask for a piece of jewelry from her unfaithful husband.

What happened to Babe Paley as per 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans'? 

Feeling anxious about her husband's cheating tendencies, Babe frequently discussed her personal challenges with Capote, which the writer eventually incorporated in his unfinished book, 'Answered Prayers'.

Capote thinly masked her character while revealing specifics of their conversations, which led to a lasting rupture between the two.

Despite being deceived by her spouse as well as her friend, Babe remained calm and carried on with her life.

In 1974, Babe was diagnosed with lung cancer. In preparation for her impending death, the socialite gave her pricey jewelry to her loved ones and planned an elaborate funeral that included food and wine for the luncheon.

Babe died of her illness in 1978.

'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans' is now streaming on Hulu.