Wizard of Oz: Judy Garland was ‘molested by munchkins’

Judy Garland’s ex-husband has claimed that she was molested repeatedly by the actors who played the Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz.

An old memoir by ex-husband Sid Luft, who is now deceased, has been found and uncovers the shocking and unpleasant revelations. Luft was married to the iconic actress from 1952 to 1956, and described the abuse that she suffered while making the film:

“They would make Judy’s life miserable on set by putting their hands under her dress… The men were 40 or more years old. They thought they could get away with anything because they were so small.” he wrote in the book titled ‘Judy and I: My Life with Judy Garland’.

Garland did herself speak of the Munchkins’ behaviour on set, but never mentioned any abuse:

“They were little drunks… They got smashed every night, and they picked them up in butterfly nets,” she said in 1967.

Garland was just 16 years old whilst shooting the film in 1939. 

Although no specific Munchkin actors have been singularly accused, some of them have denied any improper behaviour:

“There were a lot of them who liked to go out and have a few drinks, but nothing got out of hand. Everyone was having a good time and enjoying themselves. There was no rowdiness or anything like that, and those stories are very upsetting.” Margaret Pellegrini told The Independent in 2009.

While another, Jerry Maren, said:

“There were a couple of kids from Germany who liked to drink beer. They drank beer morning, noon and night, and got in a little trouble. They wanted to meet the girls, but they were the only ones.”

Garland’s family are yet to comment on the matter. The talented actress sadly passed away in 1969.