Even the Royals: Marie Antoinette | Diamonds Aren’t a Girl’s Best Friend | 215
Mar 19, 2024
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Uncover the scandalous life of Marie Antoinette, from diamond cons to smear campaigns. Explore her struggles with public perception, the infamous necklace scandal, and her fight against adversity amidst lavish parties and royal drama.
Marie Antoinette faced a deadly smear campaign fueled by scandalous accusations and a diamond necklace affair.
The French queen's lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending contributed to public disdain amidst economic hardships.
Deep dives
Marie Antoinette's Tragic End
In October 1793, Queen Marie Antoinette faces her execution, reflecting on her rise and fall from being cheered as a future queen of France to becoming a despised figure. As she faces the guillotine, she ponders on her actions, wondering if she could have avoided her fate by listening more or conforming to societal expectations. Her execution marks the tragic end of a once-beloved princess who found herself entangled in political turmoil and targeted by vicious propaganda.
Marie Antoinette's Unconventional Marriage
Marie Antoinette's marriage to Louis XVI begins on her wedding night as a frightened teenager forced to fulfill her duty of producing an heir. The lack of intimacy in their relationship continues for five years, with rumors spreading about their sexless marriage. Despite societal pressures, Marie navigates the challenges of her unconventional marriage while grappling with the expectations of royalty.
Marie Antoinette's Lavish Lifestyle
Marie Antoinette's extravagant spending and lavish lifestyle come under public scrutiny as France faces economic hardship. Her indulgence in opulent fashion and jewelry, including a controversial diamond necklace, adds fuel to negative perceptions of her among the French citizens struggling with poverty and famine. The perception of Marie as a frivolous queen deepens, further tarnishing her reputation.
Marie Antoinette's Personal Struggles
Despite her efforts to embrace motherhood and seek solace in privacy at the Petite Trianon, Marie Antoinette faces personal turmoil and public slander. Accusations of immoral behavior and manipulation during the diamond necklace affair lead to a trial that damages her reputation further. As the French people turn against her, Marie grapples with despair and resolves to fight back to reclaim her image, unaware of the impending tragic consequences.
While we work on some new Even the Rich episodes, check out the very first episode of our other show, Even the Royals. It's all about the OG Richie: Marie Antoinette. Most people associate Marie Antoinette with towering wigs, bon bons, affairs, and the legendary “let them eat cake” line. And wasn’t she executed for living extravagantly while the French people were starving? The answer is no, no and no. The truth is way more complicated than cake. We’re talking pornographic cartoons, diamond necklace cons, and one shocking accusation that will seal Marie’s fate. In this two-part series, we’ll tell you about one of history’s greatest smear campaigns - one that had deadly consequences.