A Secret Affair Exposed
In 1893, Madeline Pollard, a young woman with little social standing, filed a lawsuit against Congressman William C. P. Breckinridge of Kentucky. Breckinridge, a powerful politician and a married man, had carried on a clandestine affair with Pollard for years, even promising marriage after the death of his wife.
A Lawsuit Unfolds
Pollard sued Breckinridge for breach of promise when he broke his word and married another woman. The trial became a national sensation, drawing crowds and intense media coverage. Details of their affair were laid bare in court, exposing Breckinridge’s infidelity and betrayal.
A Shocking Verdict
The jury sided with Pollard, awarding her $15,000—a considerable sum at the time. The verdict damaged Breckinridge’s career and reputation. He lost his re-election bid in 1894.
A Woman’s Bold Stand
Pollard’s lawsuit was one of the first high-profile cases of a woman suing a prominent man for breach of promise, challenging societal norms and gaining widespread public attention.
The Woman Who Took Down Washington’s Elite 👩
A Secret Affair Exposed
In 1893, Madeline Pollard, a young woman with little social standing, filed a lawsuit against Congressman William C. P. Breckinridge of Kentucky. Breckinridge, a powerful politician and a married man, had… pic.twitter.com/O9PZnkE6p1— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TBBOB2) September 12, 2024