Jackie Kennedy, a prominent figure in recent history, sparked immense curiosity when rumors swirled about her alleged romantic involvement with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis back in 1968.
At the time, any glimpse of Onassis in photographs fetched exorbitant sums of money.
In a daring move in August 1968, Greek journalist Nico Mastorakis clandestinely boarded Onassis’s yacht with the intention of capturing a few snapshots of the tycoon.
Little did he know, he would stumble upon the confirmation of the intimate relationship between Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis.
Initial Connections with Jackie’s Sister
Aristotle Onassis had prior associations with both of the Bouvier sisters.
He was romantically linked to Jackie’s younger sister, Lee Radziwill, during the years 1962 and 1963.
Notably, it was Lee who facilitated the initial meeting between Jackie and Onassis.
Following the tragic loss of Jackie and JFK’s infant, Patrick, in August 1963, Lee extended an invitation to Jackie to vacation alongside her and Onassis aboard the tycoon’s yacht.
Spending four weeks together, Jackie eventually returned to Washington, marking the end of the rendezvous.
Bond Strengthened by Tragedy
The bond between Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy deepened following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
Their closeness only intensified after the passing of Jackie’s brother-in-law, Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968.
Struggling with profound grief post-RFK’s demise, Jackie expressed fears for her children’s safety, stating, “If they’re killing Kennedys, then my children are targets.
I want to get out of this country.” Seeking solace from the ravages of violence and loss, Onassis emerged as a source of security for Jackie and her family, equipped with his private island, airline, and armed personnel.
Infiltrating the Yacht to Expose the Truth
By August 1968, speculations surrounding Jackie and Aristotle’s romance had already been circulating widely.
Although photographed together multiple times, always in the company of others, the nature of their relationship remained shrouded in mystery.
Nico Mastorakis, a Greek filmmaker and radio personality, stumbled upon a potential lead in his quest for the truth.
Discovering that Onassis had invited Giannis Poulopoulos’s musical ensemble to perform on his yacht, Christina, Mastorakis seized the opportunity to infiltrate the gathering by posing as part of the entertainment.
Revelations Amidst Lavish Affair
During the evening aboard the yacht, both Jackie Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy were present alongside a host of guests.
Mastorakis discreetly documented the unfolding events, concealing a camera within a musical instrument to capture incriminating moments.
As the festivities progressed, libations flowed freely, with even Jackie embracing the jovial atmosphere.
Witnessing Jackie’s playful act of smashing an expensive plate, swiftly replaced by Onassis with a cheaper alternative, Mastorakis observed the escalating revelry.
Insights into Intimate Affiliation
Following Jackie’s retirement to bed, Onassis continued carousing with the band.
His candid remark, “I would love to stay with you until daybreak but I’ve got to go and make love to my wife,” unveiled the depth of his involvement with Jackie.
Mastorakis interpreted Onassis’s assertion as a boastful declaration of vigor and commitment, using the term “wife” with unwavering certainty.
With this revelation, Mastorakis realized he had struck gold, uncovering not just the liaison between Jackie and Aristotle but also the presence of Ted Kennedy negotiating financial matters related to their union.
Escalating Intrigue and Subsequent Fallout
As Mastorakis pieced together the puzzle, suspicions arose regarding Ted Kennedy’s interactions on the yacht.
Uncovering Kennedy’s indiscretions with a blonde woman flown in by Onassis, Mastorakis believed he had unearthed a dual scoop.
However, his endeavors were cut short as Ted Kennedy’s security detail grew wary of his presence due to his proficient English.
Evading capture, Mastorakis hastily departed the scene, eventually returning to Athens with his incriminating evidence, only to be apprehended by Greek authorities at the behest of Ted Kennedy and Onassis.
Aftermath and Publication of Revelations
Following a brief stint in police custody and subsequent searches of his living and workspace, Mastorakis lost all evidence obtained on the Christina.
Despite this setback, his newspaper managed to publish a corroborative story affirming the relationship between Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy, omitting references to Ted Kennedy’s transgressions.
The news spread globally, shedding light on the whirlwind romance that culminated in Jackie and Onassis’s marriage on October 28, 1968.
Tragically, their union was short-lived, as Onassis succumbed to illness a mere seven years later, leaving Jackie once again a widow.
