With the recent launch of a three-part documentary titled 'Elvis's Women' on Amazon, disturbing revelations regarding the legendary singer's predatory behavior have come to light. This documentary has the potential to become a defining moment of the contemporary #MeToo movement that could shatter the lasting legacy of Elvis Presley.
There existed a hidden side to Elvis, where he would have scores of sexual relationships with teenagers, from the early days of his fame in the 1950s right up to his last breath at the age of 42. One such story is of Jackie Rowland, who nearly escaped the dark turmoil of her Elvis, someone she once idolized.
Who is Jackie Rowland?
Jackie had a comparable and unsettling encounter, and what made it more disturbing was that her mother was present throughout. When she was just 13 years old, she caught sight of Elvis on TV and instantly developed a crush on him. At the time, she struggled with her weight, weighing nearly 14 stone, but she struck a deal with her mother, if she managed to lose weight, her parents would take her to one of Elvis's concerts. Determined to fulfill her end of the bargain, Jackie embarked on the "Elvis Love Diet" and successfully shed 80 lbs within a year.
Filled with admiration for her daughter's transformation, Jackie's mother took the initiative to write a letter to Elvis, conveying the profound impact he had on Jackie's life. To their great delight, the family received an invitation to meet the legendary star, along with his own parents, Gladys and Vernon Presley. Little did they know that Mrs Presley was well aware of her son's inclination towards teenagers and maintained a watchful eye over potential girlfriends.
'She is not normal!'
When the two families met, the renowned singer of 'Can't Help Falling in Love', pulled Jackie close at once, nibbling her ear and licking her neck. "I told him to stop," she recounted, and he said, "Oh Mrs Rowland, what is the matter with your daughter? 'She is not normal.'" However, Gladys demonstrated her clear approval of Jackie by extending an invitation for her to reside with their family. Although, this plan was abandoned when Jackie's grandfather, who happened to be a police officer, intervened reminding the Presleys that molesting a minor carried a jail term.
Jackie quietly felt a sense of relief as she discovered that Elvis resorted to amphetamines to cope with his exhausting series of performances. Unfortunately, these pills exacerbated his already volatile temperament, which was constantly on the verge of explosive reactions. The series 'Elvis's Women' is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
