Throughout Loretta Young’s life, speculation and whispers surrounded the true parentage of her daughter, an Oscar Award-winning actress herself.

Nearly 15 years after the posthumous confirmation that Hollywood icon Clark Gable was indeed the father, a new revelation has emerged: it was a result of rape.

In a recent interview with Buzz Feed, Linda Lewis, Young’s daughter-in-law, shared the moment when Young learned about the concept of “date rape” while watching “Larry King Live” in 1998.

This discovery led to a poignant realization for Young about her past encounter with Gable.

Recalling the conversation, Lewis explained how she defined date rape to Young as a situation where consent is not respected, regardless of overt violence.

Young’s response was a shocking admission that mirrored her own experience with Gable.

This disturbing revelation sheds light on a dark chapter in Young’s life, unfolding 80 years after her renowned role alongside Gable in “Call of the Wild” at the age of 23.

Shortly after, Young gave birth to her daughter, Judy, but it wasn’t until 2000 that she posthumously disclosed the truth about Gable’s paternity in her memoirs.

Lewis revealed that Young’s infatuation with Gable, despite his marital status and their significant age difference, was an open secret.

Young often confided in Lewis about developing feelings for her co-stars during performances.

The pivotal moment occurred during a train journey back to Hollywood, where Gable intruded into Young’s private compartment and took advantage of her vulnerability.

Despite her humiliation, Young chose to maintain a facade of composure and professionalism, knowing she would continue working alongside Gable.

Judy Lewis, born under the shadow of secrecy and lies, expressed her disappointment in her mother’s reluctance to acknowledge her as her own child.

Both Gable and Young vehemently denied any romantic involvement, with Young going to great lengths to conceal the truth from the public and her studio.

Young orchestrated elaborate public appearances and fabricated stories to veil her pregnancy, culminating in a secluded birth for Judy in 1935.

Following her birth, Judy’s upbringing was shrouded in deception, leading to her adoption by Young when she was 19 months old.

For decades, Judy lived with the burden of falsehoods, only discovering her true lineage shortly before her marriage, drawing conclusions from hearsay and physical similarities.

Known as Judy Lewis or “the Secret Daughter of Hollywood,” she passed away in 2011 at the age of 76.

In her memoir “Uncommon Knowledge,” Judy lamented her mother’s silence regarding the circumstances of her birth, expressing her longing for acknowledgment.

Despite this, Young chose not to address the issue with her daughter until much later, believing that it would not benefit Judy.

The poignant tale of Loretta Young and Clark Gable’s concealed legacy underscores the complexities of Hollywood’s golden era, revealing a web of secrets and regrets that spanned generations.