In a recent episode of the FX series Feud, viewers were taken beyond the usual drama and rivalry to delve into the personal lives of Hollywood icons Joan Crawford and Bette Davis.

Instead of focusing solely on their on-screen personas, the show offered a glimpse into the childhood traumas that shaped these legendary actresses.

Following a grueling day of filming, Joan (portrayed by Jessica Lange) and Bette (played by Susan Sarandon) find themselves in a dimly lit bar discussing motherhood.

The conversation takes a dark turn as Joan reveals to her co-star that she was a victim of s**ual abuse as a child.

Joan recounts a harrowing experience from her past, revealing that she was sent to a convent at the age of 12 after being assaulted by her mother’s second husband at just 11 years old.

Despite the disturbing nature of the incident, Joan describes the perpetrator as a kind and loving figure in her life, highlighting the complexity of her emotions surrounding the abuse.

While the veracity of Joan’s claims remains unconfirmed, rumors of her troubled childhood have circulated for years.

If indeed she endured such trauma, it sheds light on her character’s vulnerability and susceptibility to manipulation by powerful men in her career, as depicted in Feud.

Similarly, Bette’s tumultuous upbringing continues to influence her relationships and interactions with others.

Unable to form meaningful connections with women in her life, Bette’s deep-seated issues stem from a childhood marked by familial abandonment and isolation.

By delving into the personal histories of Bette and Joan, Feud offers viewers a deeper understanding of the complexities that drove their legendary rivalry.

The show humanizes these iconic figures, revealing the enduring impact of their past traumas on their present-day lives.