Description:
(Grandson of American Oil Tycoon J. Paul Getty)
John Paul Getty III was the grandson of American oil tycoon, Jean Paul Getty, who was the richest person in the world at one point. Getty III was infamously kidnapped for a ransom of $17 million during his teenage years. While growing up in Rome, Italy, he went through a five-month-long ordeal during which his kidnappers tortured him and sent his hair and mutilated ear to an Italian newspaper to threaten his family into paying up the demanded amount of money. Despite showing reluctance to pay the ransom initially, his grandfather, who had earned a reputation due to his frugality, eventually arranged for a negotiation in exchange for his grandson’s release. However, Getty III continued to suffer in the following years due to drug abuse during his captivity, and became partially disabled till his death at the age of 54. The kidnapping incident has been used in popular culture many times over the years, the most recent ones being the Ridley Scott movie, 'All the Money in the World', and the FX television series, 'Trust'.
Birthday
November 4, 1956 (Scorpio)
Alternative names
Eugene Paul Getty II
City
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Died on
February 5, 2011
Spouse/Ex-
Gisela Getty (m. 1974–1993)
Parents
Sir John Paul Getty
Abigail Harris
Children
Balthazar Getty
What happened to John Paul Getty III after he was kidnapped?
After being kidnapped in 1973, John Paul Getty III was held captive for several months. His captors eventually cut off his ear and sent it to a newspaper to pressure his family to pay the ransom.
Was John Paul Getty III able to recover after the traumatic kidnapping?
Following his kidnapping, John Paul Getty III suffered from physical and emotional struggles. He faced health issues and substance abuse problems throughout his life.
Did John Paul Getty III have any lasting effects from his kidnapping ordeal?
The traumatic experience of being kidnapped and held captive had lasting effects on John Paul Getty III. He struggled with physical disabilities and emotional trauma for the rest of his life.
How did the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III change security measures for wealthy families?
The high-profile kidnapping of John Paul Getty III prompted wealthy families to reassess their security measures and take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from similar incidents.
