The Worst Public Servant In History? Inside The Life Of J. Edgar Hoover

He Wore Women’s Perfume

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Photo credit: Bettman/Contributor, Getty Images

Hoover chose to wear women’s perfume instead of men’s cologne. It was common knowledge that the FBI director preferred female fragrances, but he never commented on the fact publicly, so it’s unclear why he made the choice. He also wanted to keep the knowledge under wraps.

In the 1930s, a magazine article included a statement from a diplomat who commented on Hoover’s “conspicuous perfume.” Hoover was so angry about the column that in retaliation he compiled as much negative information about the writer as he could. He also denied wearing perfume even though everyone knew that he did.