March 30, 1987

When: 1987

The facts: The 64-year-old former Miss America, self-proclaimed "Queen of the Jews," and the Ed Koch's cultural-affairs commissioner, is charged with bribery and conspiracy and faces up to 30 years in prison. She is accused of using her influence to get lover Carl "Andy" Capasso a $53.6 million sewer contract and hiring Sukhreet Gabel, the 39-year-old daughter of Judge Hortense Gabel, who subsequently lowered alimony and child-support payments for Capasso. Myerson blames her troubles on "a conspiracy of vindictive homosexuals; they're out to get me….They're jealous because I'm the two things they can never be: a woman and a Miss America."

"Within the period of Capasso and Myerson's six-year relationship, Donald Manes, the man who introduced them, would become the subject of a federal investigation and commit suicide; Stanley Friedman, their friend and tennis partner would be sentenced to twelve years in prison; Capasso would be facing prison; and Myerson would become the subject a city investigation." — From "Bess and the Mess" in the March 30, 1987 issue of New York Magazine.

And if that wasn't bad enough: Shortly before the trial begins, she's fined for shoplifting.

The trial: U.S. Attorney Rudy Giuliani is the prosecutor. The eccentric daughter of the accused judge Gabel testifies against her mother. Gabel, Capasso, and Myerson are eventually acquitted.