As much as Rudolph Valentino enjoyed success, he also fought a continual battle against an establishment determined to portray him as someone he was not. To diminish his immense popularity, he was demeaned, distorted, and mocked. And not so much has changed.
What disrespect continues to be shown to this much-maligned American and Italian icon—still today misrepresented and used as a puppet in false narratives.
His legacy is now held captive by self-appointed gatekeepers who censor his truth. They lie, harass, bully, and silence in order to maintain their myths. They have built empires on deception and waged campaigns of cruelty to uphold it.
What a travesty that the market in collecting his earthly possessions now seeks to possess his story as well. As if owning his objects grants them ownership of his soul. It is a deplorable situation.
Perhaps they believe truth can be buried. That it doesn’t matter. But that is pure delusion. Truth always matters. And truth always finds a way.
