J. Paul Getty: The Real Story Behind The Man With All The Money In The World

The Kidnapping Of J. Paul Getty’s Grandson

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Even in dire circumstances, Getty’s tightfistedness was unwavering. Fast forward to 1973, when Getty’s then-16-year-old grandson, John Paul Getty III, was kidnapped by Italian gangsters in Rome. The kidnappers demanded around $17 million for the younger Getty’s safe return, threatening to cut a finger to prove that they had him. At first, the family suspected that it was a ploy by the teenager to get money out of his grandfather since he was known to be somewhat of a rebel at the time. When Getty’s son asked his father for money to get his grandson back, the eldest Getty refused.

The traumatic kidnapping would prove to have lifelong effects, as you will soon see.