Gotta Watch: Infamous Madams
Since her days as a madam ended, Heidi Fleiss has appeared on "Celebrity Rehab."
May 24th, 2011
12:23 PM ET

Gotta Watch: Infamous Madams

They're the women who threatened to take down some of the nation's most powerful with one simple move - opening up their little black books. These madams made headlines with their sex-trade sales and their legal wrangling sent shivers through their anonymous clients who feared being outed. Today marks the 16th anniversary of Heidi Fleiss' conviction, so today’s Gotta Watch takes a look at some of the country’s most notorious madams.

Heidi Fleiss – Though she had a very brief stint on reality TV, Heidi Fleiss may forever be known as "The Hollywood Madam." As Tinsletown's top call-girl den mother, Fleiss bragged about being the best in the business and coyly played the media about her client list. But that bravado couldn't save her from a prison sentence.
[cnn-video url="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/05/24/vault.heidi.fleiss.madam.cnn"%5D

Sydney Biddle Barrows – It seems like an odd story: a socialite turned madam. But for blue-blooded Sydney Biddle Barrows, the escort business brought in big clients and big bucks. It also brought in New York prosecutors. The unapologetic Barrows always said her business was classy and run with accepted business practices. She even used her notoriety to become a best-selling author.
[cnn-video url="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/05/24/vault.mayflower.madam.cnn"%5D

Deborah Jeane Palfrey – Deborah Jeane Palfrey shook up Washington when she earned the moniker of "The D.C. Madam." This revelation forced a senator to come clean about his involvement with her service. But before Palfrey could go to trial, she committed suicide.
[cnn-video url="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/05/24/vault.dc.madam.deborah.palfrey4.cnn"%5D

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Filed under: Celebrity • Crime • Gotta Watch • Justice • Politics • Showbiz
soundoff (44 Responses)
  1. Moi

    If I wouldn't do a normal girl who sleeps around then why would I pay for a girl that just had some guy up in there? Any girl you don't feel safe going raw in isn't worth paying for. Although maybe guys like sloppy seconds so much that they pay for the privilege of being #7,890..... Must be a status thing.

    May 24, 2011 at 4:34 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Cricket

    George, if we're going to go by your criteria, Bush should be locked up for life, with all the blood he has on his hands.
    And that has zero to do with the topic, which is also repulsive.

    May 24, 2011 at 5:10 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Joey

    I used to know one of the three Madams featured above. She lived in an apartment building next to mine, and I was introduced to her and actually invited to a party that she gave. She was delightful.
    Of course, I never had any professional dealings with her.
    I do want to state that I consider this profession both honorable and splendidly taxable.
    @ phoenix:
    These evil adulteresses are headed for the abyss, you say?
    Good. I'd like to see the abyss.
    Where is it?

    May 24, 2011 at 6:40 pm | Report abuse |
    • Cesar

      Would you like your mom or daughter being a wh-ore?

      May 24, 2011 at 7:21 pm | Report abuse |
    • Sid Vicious Wishes

      Would you marry a current or former red light lady?

      May 24, 2011 at 9:13 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Joey

    The real reason I didn't do business with the madame is because I like black dudes. I also like it when Cesar drills my pooper with his rock hard schlong and spews his man-goo all over my tonsils.
    WHOO HOOO!!

    May 24, 2011 at 7:25 pm | Report abuse |
    • Cesar

      Cheers! Where everybody knows your name... And they're always glad you came.... Hey wanna make a chocolate cream pie like last night?

      May 24, 2011 at 7:47 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Thedickwhisperer

    This is the real Cesar. I'm changing my name to keep the trolls fooled.

    May 24, 2011 at 7:52 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Iamrightyouarewrong

    Just so you guys no only a block away from my house a crack head gives the best bj on the planet only $20 takes her teeth out AWESOME AWESOME I tell you. Why these guys spend so much money I'll never know. She ain't got no black book I promise.

    May 24, 2011 at 9:33 pm | Report abuse |
  7. pmk1953

    I find it ridiculous that a women can go to jail for selling what she could give away free with no penalty.

    May 24, 2011 at 9:41 pm | Report abuse |
  8. itsamemario

    i think the dc madam was possibly murdered. its funny she never made trial is my point, wonder how she messed up..

    May 25, 2011 at 1:55 am | Report abuse |
  9. Theda Schlimmer

    I admit, I have not been on this blog in a long time, however it was joy to find it again. It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals! I cheers for helping to make people more aware of these issues. Just great stuff as per usual!

    December 6, 2011 at 11:29 pm | Report abuse |
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