18. Rasputin’s Lechery Became the Scandal of Russia
Beyond the Tsar and Tsarina’s gaze, Rasputin’s life was a nonstop scandal. He exerted a powerful and inexplicable animal magnetism upon high society women. Before long, he had a cult following of wealthy and aristocratic women, young and old, maidens and matrons, throwing themselves at him like groupies with a rock star. He set himself up in an apartment where people from all classes, but especially aristocratic women, flocked to visit him. Many of the lower classes virtually worshipped Rasputin, believed him to be a holy man, and frequently asked him for help or money.
Many of those aware that Rasputin had the ear of the Tsar and Tsarina sought to gain his favor. Some even sent their wives or daughters to seduce him into putting in a good word for them at court, or their female kin did so on their own initiative. Rasputin was a sex addict, with enviable stamina and staying power. Saint Petersburg’s authorities posted plainclothes policemen at Rasputin’s building. Their reports frequently described dozens of women, from prostitutes to high-ranking aristocrats, visiting his apartment. The police reports described loud noises of drunken revelry, partying, beatings, violent intimate relations, and orgies that lasted until sunrise and beyond.