Frank Sinatra

Seeking to regain a gaming licence, Sinatra testified for several hours about his past relationships with organised crime figures. He denied any Mafia business association and contested several longstanding allegations. The commission ultimately granted him a new licence by four votes to one.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

Archives and press investigations document numerous meetings between Sinatra and organised crime figures, including Lucky Luciano, Sam Giancana and the Fischetti brothers. These relationships contributed to his lasting reputation for proximity to the Mafia.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

While touring Australia, Sinatra used insulting language about journalists, prompting a union boycott in which services, transport and assistance were withheld from his tour. The dispute was resolved after Bob Hawke intervened and a negotiated statement of regret was issued.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

After Sam Giancana, who was barred from Nevada casinos, was hosted at the Cal Neva Lodge, in which Sinatra had an interest, gaming regulators questioned his fitness to hold a licence. Sinatra lost or surrendered his licence amid the affair and a bitter confrontation with regulators.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Sinatra actively supported Kennedy in 1960 while maintaining contact with Sam Giancana. He introduced Kennedy to Judith Campbell Exner, who also had a relationship with Giancana. The overlap between these networks subsequently fuelled investigations and speculation about links between politics, the Mafia and anti-Castro operations.

State of the evidence

Disputed

Over several decades, the FBI compiled an extensive file on Sinatra, covering his relationships with people under racketeering investigation and his earlier political commitments. In 1950, Sinatra even offered to provide information to the Bureau to dispel suspicions concerning him; the offer was declined.

Rumours alleged that Sinatra had paid a doctor to declare him unfit for military service. The FBI reviewed his medical record and concluded that his 4-F classification was based on documented physical and psychological conditions.

Sinatra fought with columnist Lee Mortimer, who had accused him, among other things, of links with Lucky Luciano. Mortimer alleged that he had been attacked; Sinatra maintained that he had responded to an ethnic slur. The case ended with an apology from Sinatra and payment of Mortimer's expenses.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Sinatra was arrested in New Jersey, first on a seduction allegation based on a promise of marriage, then for adultery after the complainant was identified as married. Both cases were dropped.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Accused

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome