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

Getty Eventually Helped Pay The Ransom, But On Certain Conditions…

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Many were shocked that J. Paul Getty took no immediate action to save his grandson. But the billionaire reasoned, “I have 14 other grandchildren and if I pay one penny now, then I’ll have 14 kidnapped grandchildren.” Eventually, he relented and agreed to pay no more than $2.2 million, after he learned it was the maximum amount that could be deducted from his taxes. Getty loaned his son the remainder of his grandson’s ransom to be paid back at 4% interest. When the ransom was received, Paul III was returned alive (albeit missing an ear) and called his grandfather to thank him, but Getty refused to come to the phone.