Nancy accuses her 'selfish' children
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE REAGAN family, never the most shining example of domestic values, is reportedly being torn apart over the care and treatment of the 90-year-old former President as he descends into the twilight world of Alzheimer's disease.
The National Enquirer says Ronald's wife, Nancy, cares for him almost alone in their home near Los Angeles, with three of the four grown-up children quarrelling about his fast-diminishing money.
The four-page article described Mrs Reagan, 78, as "distraught" at the children's behaviour. It accused Ron jnr, Patti and Michael, a talkshow host, of exploiting their name while abandoning their father. The only child to escape criticism is Maureen, described as the only one to give "real support" to Mrs Reagan. The highly sympathetic article contains so much intimate domestic detail there are suggestions that Mrs Reaganauthorised it.
The central criticism is that the children stopped visiting him regularly when Mrs Reagan halted their monthly allowances because the money was needed for medical expenses. Michael and Patti say they see him regularly.
While "supermarket tab-loids" such as the Enquirer are scorned by America's chattering classes, they cover stories judged by mainstream media as too hot to handle, whether on grounds of taste, privacy or because the subject has the untouchability of a national icon.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments