Is 'Feud: Capote vs The Swans' based on true story? All you need to know ahead of Hulu's biographical series
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The second installment of the anthology television series 'Feud', titled 'Feud: Capote vs The Swans', is set to premiere on the streaming platform Hulu on January 31.
While the over-the-top premises may initially look exaggerated, they are inspired by real events.
The series chronicles Truman Capote's (Tom Hollander) real-life feud with his socialite friends, including Babe Paley (Naomi Watts), Slim Keith (Diane Lane), and CZ Guest (Chloe Sevigny), collectively known as the 'Swans'.
Capote's controversial decision to pen a revealing book about the hidden secrets of Swans shocks the city's upper class. In response to the public criticism, the Swans decide to retaliate against Capote.
Who was Truman Captoe?
One of the most controversial authors in the literary world of America, Truman Capote, was born in 1924. Renowned for his distinct voice and flamboyant demeanor, Capote established a reputation for himself through his adept storytelling abilities.
Capote, who is credited with defining the modern novella, rose to prominence in New York City's opulent high society. Capote developed a close friendship with powerful women like Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, as per The Marilyn Report.
But his rise tragically ended when his fallout with the Swans came into play.
In the years that followed, Captoe's decline was caused by the stigma attached to him as a traitor, permanently damaging his social standing. He died on August 28, 1984, at the age of 59.
Who are the swans?
Truman Capote's socialite circle, known as the Swans, consisted of a stunning group of women known for their glamorous and wealthy lifestyles. Captoe dubbed them the 'Swans' owing to their extravagant lifestyle.
The group consists of Babe Paley, also known as 'Queen Bee'. In addition to being a fashion icon, Paley was notorious for her wit and intelligence. Slim Keith, a talented photographer and muse to many fashion designers, was known for her bohemian spirit and adventurous lifestyle.
There was also CZ Guest, who worked as a writer and designer. Guest, who was well-known for her independence, accepted self-expression and questioned social conventions.
Additionally, Lee Radziwill, the sister of former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was a Swans player. Radziwill forged her own career path with grace and intelligence, working as a successful writer and interior designer.
How did Truman Capote become part of New York's high society?
With his literary prowess and endearing demeanor, Captoe became the most prominent member of New York's elite society. He gained early success and critical acclaim for his short stories like 'Miriam' and 'A Christmas Memory'. He consequently cultivated his charm and wit to create a quirky persona that captivated publishers, socialites, and celebrities.
He was well-liked by the attendees at glitzy high-society parties because of his keen sense of humor. Captoe strategically befriended influential people, fostering a close bond with the group of social Swans, who were enamored by his talent and charming personality.
How did the stories the Swans shared with Truman Capote go public?
With every step up the social ladder, Captoe's relationship with the Swans became closer. Owing to their unwavering trust in the writer, the Swans shared their darkest and sassiest secrets with him.
Later, Captoe decided to chronicle the intimate details and anecdotes in his ambitious project 'Answered Prayers.'
He wreaked havoc in upper society in 1965 when he boldly revealed his socialite friends' secrets in a chapter titled 'La Cote Basque' in Esquire, using fictitious names for them.
New episodes of 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans' drop every Wednesday at 10 pm ET on FX.
