Decades before the recent allegations against Bryan Singer, Hollywood was gripped by the legal battle involving Errol Flynn and accusations of statutory rape back in 1943.

The renowned actor faced charges from two 17-year-old girls named Peggy Satterlee and Betty Hansen, which stirred up a frenzy in the entertainment industry.

Flynn, then 33 years old, expressed his disbelief at the situation, claiming innocence and stating, “I’m bewildered.

I can’t understand it.

I hardly touched the girl.” Despite his known predilections for younger women, suggested by his own quote, “I like my whiskey old and my women young,” speculations arose that the legal action might have been influenced by Warner Bros.’ alleged failure to offer sufficient incentives to local law enforcement, as insinuated by Kenneth Anger in Hollywood Babylon.

With the help of his skillful attorney Jerry Geisler, Flynn’s defense strategy involved unveiling unsavory details from the girls’ past, including involvement with married men and prior abortions.

Following extensive deliberation lasting 13 hours, the jury composed of nine women and three men ultimately delivered a verdict of not guilty.

Satterlee commented on the outcome, noting that she had expected the acquittal due to the jury members’ seemingly adoring demeanor towards Flynn during the trial, almost as if he were their own kin.

Despite the legal turmoil, Flynn’s penchant for relationships with younger women persisted.

While the trial was ongoing, he crossed paths with Nora Eddington, a 19-year-old employee at a court complex snack bar who later became pregnant with his child.

Their union culminated in marriage in 1944.

Tragically, Flynn’s life came to an abrupt end at the age of 50 in 1959 due to a fatal heart attack, all while he was involved with Beverly Aadland, whom he had met when she was just 15 years old and who was later portrayed by Dakota Fanning in the film “The Last of Robin Hood” released in September.

Arthur Hiller, who directed Flynn in one of his final projects, recollects the actor’s struggles with alcohol and memory loss during their collaboration, describing him as a troubled yet amiable individual.

The legacy of Errol Flynn remains intertwined with controversy