Ep 2. Leona Helmsley: The Queen Of The Palace

In this episode of "Barbara Walters Presents American Scandals," we delve into the fascinating and controversial life of Leona Helmsley, often known as the "Queen of the Palace." Leona Helmsley was a self-made businesswoman and hotelier who rose to prominence in the 1980s and became one of New York City's most powerful and polarizing figures.

Leona's journey to the top was not an easy one. Born into a humble family in Brooklyn, she grew up with dreams of wealth and success. With determination and an unwavering drive, Leona fought her way up through the ranks to become a prominent real estate entrepreneur. She married Harry Helmsley, a successful real estate developer, and together they built an empire.

As Leona's power and influence grew, so did her reputation for being demanding and ruthless. She soon earned the nickname "The Queen of Mean" due to her notoriously brash and often abusive management style. Leona went to great lengths to protect her image and ensure that her vast real estate holdings thrived. But her relentless pursuit of success would eventually lead her down a path of scandal and infamy.

One of the most notorious episodes in Leona Helmsley's life involved her famous feud with her staff. Former employees testified against her, claiming that she treated them with disdain and subjected them to harsh working conditions. Amidst these allegations, a shocking video leaked to the public, further tarnishing her already controversial reputation. The public was captivated by these revelations, and Leona's empire began to crumble under the weight of negative publicity.

Leona's downfall was further cemented when she and her husband were convicted of tax evasion in a high-profile trial. The trial, which dominated headlines across the country, shed light on the Helmsleys' lavish lifestyle and exposed their attempts to evade paying millions of dollars in taxes. The public outcry was fierce, and Leona's image as a powerful and ruthless businesswoman took an irreversible hit.

Throughout the episode, we hear from those who knew Leona best, including former employees, journalists, and legal experts. We gain insight into her complex personality and the events that shaped her life and career. Barbara Walters, a veteran journalist known for her incisive interviews, explores the motivations behind Leona's actions and attempts to understand how she became such a divisive figure.

"Leona Helmsley: The Queen of the Palace" uncovers the truth behind one of the most sensational scandals of the 1980s. It offers a captivating exploration of power, greed, and the price of success. As we delve deeper into Leona's story, we are left contemplating the boundaries of ambition and the consequences of unbridled ambition.

Join Barbara Walters as she navigates the twists and turns of this captivating tale, unlocking the secrets of Leona Helmsley's rise to power and her eventual downfall. The second episode of season 2 of "Barbara Walters Presents American Scandals" is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the darker side of success and the indomitable human spirit.