James Dean was reportedly blackmailed by a former male lover who threatened to expose their relationship just as Dean was about to make his big-screen debut, according to a new book.

In “Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean,” author Jason Colavito reveals that the Hollywood icon paid $800 to advertising executive Rogers Brackett just days before the premiere of his first movie, “East of Eden,” to avoid a public scandal that could have ruined his career in the homophobic 1950s.

In excerpts published by DailyMail, Colavito details the tumultuous affair, which left Dean feeling sexually exploited. Dean reportedly said, “I didn’t know it was the whore who paid – I thought it was the other way around.” The $800 blackmail, equivalent to around $9,395 today, was a significant amount at a time when the median annual salary in the US was approximately $3,100.

Dean and Brackett met in 1951 when Dean was working as a parking valet near CBS studios, where Brackett’s advertising agency produced the radio drama “Alias Jane Doe.” Brackett, who was older and wealthier, was reportedly captivated by Dean’s beauty. When Dean mentioned he was an actor, Brackett promised to keep him in mind for radio roles.

Soon after, Brackett cast Dean in “Alias Jane Doe,” and their relationship deepened. Despite feeling scared, Dean found Brackett unlocking emotions he had kept hidden. When Dean faced homelessness, Brackett offered him a place to stay, but the relationship became strained. Brackett later described Dean as “like a child” who acted out for attention.

After their breakup, Brackett moved to Chicago while Dean relocated to New York. Despite their distance, Brackett continued to support Dean financially, providing over $1,000, including hotel bills and gifts. During this time, Dean viewed Brackett as increasingly manipulative and desperate.

Brackett’s influence also helped Dean secure a role in the 1952 Broadway play, “See the Jaguar.” Their paths crossed again in 1955, just weeks before the premiere of “East of Eden.” Brackett, now unemployed and seeking funds for an opera project, demanded $1,200 from Dean, claiming it was repayment for past financial support.

Dean initially refused, but after a heated exchange with Brackett’s collaborator, Dean agreed to write an apology. However, Brackett escalated the matter by filing a lawsuit for $1,100 in New York Municipal court, threatening to expose their relationship publicly.

To avoid a scandal, Dean settled with Brackett, agreeing to pay $800 in weekly installments. Court documents show that Brackett’s lawsuit only mentioned financial claims, not their affair. Dean’s agent also arranged for Warner Bros. to pay Brackett a substantial “finder’s fee” to ensure his silence.

This story remained hidden for decades until Dean’s agent’s secret papers were discovered. Dean tragically died in a car crash just six months after the premiere of “East of Eden.”

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