Leona Helmsley escapes Depression-era poverty by marrying billionaire real estate magnate Harry Helmsley. She takes over his Manhattan hotels and declares herself Queen of the Palace, then earns a royal reputation for berating, bullying, and firing employees at the drop of a hat. But when her tax bills come into question, everyone who’s worked under Leona ge ... Show More
Apr 2019
“The Queen of Mean” Pt. 2 - Leona Helmsley
She climbed to the top of New York City’s real estate scene by bullying and blackmailing, earning her the moniker "The Queen of Mean." In the late 1980s, when Leona Helmsley was put on trial for fraud and tax evasion, all the little people she'd stepped on over the years lined up ... Show More
42m 18s
Apr 2019
“The Queen of Mean” - Leona Helmsley
Born in 1920 to poor, Jewish immigrants, Leona Helsley spent the first 30 years of her life doing whatever it took to rise above her humble origins. She changed her name, bullied her competitors, and, if necessary, skirted the corners of the law, engaging in blackmail and fraud. ... Show More
42m 16s
May 2021
“Soho Grifter” Anna Sorokin Pt. 1
A con artist storms New York’s social scene in the 2010s, cementing her place in high society as a German heiress worth millions. Anna Delvey masterfully swindled banks, hotels, airlines, even her own friends out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Her past was murky, but her pe ... Show More
42m 11s
Jan 2021
Paris Hilton | Prison in Pink | 46
Paris Hilton was living life in the fast lane. Reality star, club promoter, author, and pop princess - it was all “that’s hot,” until it’s not. As Paris struggles to balance her crown from the atop her empire, her luxury tires come to a screeching halt.Listen ad free with Wondery ... Show More
44m 1s
Jun 2024
Bethenny Frankel and Andy Cohen | 53
Bethenny Frankel, queen of the Bravo-lebrities, ignited a firestorm in 2023 with her "reality reckoning" crusade. She confronted Andy Cohen and the network over their toxic work culture, rallying fellow Housewives to her cause. This episode unpacks their tumultuous relationship - ... Show More
47m 28s