Speculation arises about the parentage of Loretta Young’s daughter, as claims surface suggesting she may have been the result of date rape rather than a consensual affair.

The late actress’ daughter-in-law disclosed that Young hinted at the possibility of non-consent in her encounter with Hollywood heartthrob Clark Gable during the filming of “The Call of the Wild.”

At the age of 23, Young found herself pregnant while working on the film alongside the married Gable.

To shield her pregnancy from the public eye, she resorted to an elaborate scheme, pretending to be ill and fatigued.

Upon her return to Hollywood, she introduced her “adopted” daughter, Judy, sparking intrigue and gossip throughout Tinseltown.

Despite the scandal, the truth behind Judy’s birth remained concealed until Young’s posthumous memoirs were released in 2000, shedding light on the hidden chapter of her life.

In a recent Buzzfeed article, Linda Lewis recounted a poignant moment with Young, where the topic of date rape unraveled a buried memory for the aging actress.

The revelation unfolded as Lewis explained the concept to her, prompting Young to acknowledge the unsettling truth of her past with Gable.

Young confided in Lewis about the events that transpired on an overnight train journey, unveiling a long-held secret that she had carried for decades without disclosure, not even to her own daughter, Judy.

The weight of guilt and responsibility that Young bore for the incident was evident, as Lewis recounted her mother-in-law’s sense of liberation upon sharing her story.

Despite the emotional turmoil, Young harbored no resentment towards Gable, viewing the disclosure as a means of absolution rather than accusation.

With Judy’s passing in 2011, Lewis felt compelled to bring Young’s untold narrative to light, emphasizing the prevalence of unreported assaults and the perpetrators who evade accountability.

While some Hollywood historians expressed skepticism regarding the allegations, others acknowledged the plausibility of Young’s account, considering the societal constraints and pressures she faced during that era.

The complexities of Young’s experience underscored the enduring stigmas and injustices prevalent in the bygone Hollywood landscape.

As the legacy of Loretta Young endures, her tumultuous past intertwined with fame and secrecy offers a poignant reflection on the personal struggles and sacrifices borne by women in the unforgiving spotlight of show business.