Feud: Capote vs. The Swans: The dramatic true story behind the show

Foxtel's true-life anthology series, Feud, is back with a second season premiering February 1 that covers the riveting falling-out between author Truman Capote and a group of elite socialites known as the "swans."

This instalment takes a deep dive into the backstory of writer Capote (played by Tom Hollander) as he forges connections with New York City's elite socialites, weaving a narrative of friendship, betrayal, and scandal. Brace yourself for gossip, drama, steamy affairs, opulence, high fashion, and backstabbing, all brought to life by a star-studded cast featuring Hollywood's leading ladies – Naomi Watts, Demi Moore, Calista Flockhart, Diane Lane, Molly Ringwald, and Chloë Sevigny – as the "swans."

In Australia, viewers can catch Feud: Capote vs. The Swans on Foxtel through Showcase, followed by Foxtel Now and BINGE for on-demand viewing, and the limited series promises a gripping narrative based on real events. While the show may take some creative liberties, here’s what you need to know about the true story behind season two of Feud.

The glittering social circle: Capote's friendship with The Swans

The story behind Feud: Capote vs. The Swans draws inspiration from Laurence Leamer's book, Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era. This book dives into the events that led to Truman Capote's fall from grace after the success of his novel Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

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From literary heights to New York's social summit

After the triumph of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Capote ascended to stardom and became a socialite favourite in New York. His close associations with socialites like Barbara "Babe" Paley, Lee Radziwill, Gloria Guinness, C.Z. Guest, and Slim Keith, collectively known as the "swans," became the hallmark of his glamorous life.

In 1966, Capote hosted the renowned Black and White Ball at the Plaza Hotel, attended by celebrities like Andy Warhol, Frank Sinatra, and Mia Farrow. The swans, dressed in masquerade attire, were among the 540 attendees.

The event was testimony to the fact that Capote had an uncanny ability to bring together icons from diverse industries, as one source told The Times: “Truman created this new class of talented, good-natured, funny people, and that lasted for quite a long time.” But his popularity would not last forever.

The birth of the true crime genre

Capote was all set to dive into his next venture post Breakfast at Tiffany's – a novel he titled Answered Prayers. However, fate took an unexpected turn as he ended up chronicling the tragic events surrounding the Clutters, a family of four brutally murdered in rural Kansas in 1959.

This unexpected shift occurred during his visit to the crime scene with his friend Harper Lee, who would soon become renowned for her classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Capote's exploration of this dark subject matter eventually materialised in his groundbreaking "nonfiction novel" titled In Cold Blood, published in 1966. This work played a pivotal role in shaping the true-crime genre as we know it today.

However, the unfinished Answered Prayers led to the conflict depicted in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Capote's revelations in the short story La Côte Basque 1965, an excerpt from his long-awaited follow-up to In Cold Blood published in Esquire in 1975, infuriated the swans, who recognised themselves in the characters and their scandalous tales.

Fall from grace: Capote's personal and professional downfall

The fallout was swift; Capote found himself cut off by The Swans. His closest friend, Babe Paley, reportedly never spoke to him again, and he was not even invited to her funeral. Slim Keith contemplated suing him for libel, and Ann Woodward, another swan, died in what was suspected to be a suicide after reading an advance copy.

Capote's life then took a dark turn as he sought solace in alcohol and drugs. Despite releasing two more chapters from Answered Prayers, the complete book never materialised. His substance abuse led to health complications, and he passed away in 1984 at the age of 59.

The "Original Real Housewives"

Feud co-creator Ryan Murphy, Speaking to Town & Country, aptly described the swans as "the original Real Housewives." Capote's exposé on their lives, though not reality TV, mirrors the genre's fascination with revealing the innermost secrets of the wealthy elite.

Ryan Murphy went on to explain: "A feud is never about hatred; a feud is about pain, always. For the show to work, there had to be a great split that was about heartache as opposed to hatred.”

The second season of Feud masterfully unravels the heartache behind Capote's dramatic falling-out with a group of high society's most esteemed women. It's a tale of glamour, betrayal, and the fragility of friendships.

The second season of Feud premieres on February 1 and will be available to watch on Foxtel via Showcase, then Foxtel Now and BINGE for streaming on demand.

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