Elizabeth Taylor Responds to Vatican Remarks on Her Relationships

In a revealing documentary, Elizabeth Taylor recounted the intense and controversial love affair with her "Cleopatra" co-star Richard Burton, which drew sharp criticism from the Vatican. The affair, which began while Taylor was still married to Eddie Fisher, led to an open letter from the Vatican's weekly newspaper accusing her of "erotic vagrancy." Taylor and Fisher divorced in 1964, the same year she married Burton, highlighting the scandalous nature of their relationship. Reflecting on her decision to leave Fisher for Burton, Taylor expressed remorse, acknowledging the pain it caused. She and Burton's relationship was marked by both passion and turmoil, with Taylor admitting to feeling "madly in love" with him until his death. Their marriage, however, was plagued by personal struggles, including Taylor's addiction to pills and Burton's alcoholism, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1974 after a decade together. Burton's extravagant lifestyle, which included significant gambling and drug use, contributed to the couple's challenges. Despite their tumultuous history, Taylor's feelings for Burton remained profound, as she noted the depth of their connection, describing it as a "pulverizing love" that became dangerously intense. In a poignant reflection on their relationship, it was revealed that Taylor chose not to attend Burton's funeral, believing it would attract unwanted publicity. Their final moments together at the graveyard provided a rare instance of privacy, underscoring the complexities of their enduring love.