Beatles' shocking past: claims of assault resurface against dentist to the stars

A chilling claim has resurfaced, alleging that The Beatles John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr may have been victims of abuse at the hands of their celebrity dentist, John Riley. First detailed in Craig Brown's critically acclaimed book, One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time, these allegations have gained renewed attention as fans delve into the band's history ahead of the 65th anniversary of their formation.

Riley, a Harley Street dentist known for his work with high-profile clients, treated all four members of the legendary band during the early 1960s. According to Pattie Boyd, George Harrison's ex-wife, Riley routinely administered intravenous Valium, often knocking his patients out regardless of the procedure's complexity.

Boyd described the situation as "sinister," raising suspicions that Riley may have taken advantage of his unconscious patients. She recounted witnessing Riley attempting to revive Harrison with slaps to his face after a heavy dose of tranquilizers. "No one questioned it," Boyd said. "We would wake up not knowing what he had done."

Riley's influence and legacy

Riley was more than just a dentist to The Beatles; his charisma and frequent contact with the band allowed him to form a close relationship, particularly with Harrison. According to Brown's book, Harrison saw Riley frequently due to the poor state of his teeth during their early days at Liverpool's Cavern Club.

So close was their relationship that Riley accompanied the band on holiday to the Bahamas during the filming of Help! in 1965. However, Boyd's discomfort around Riley, especially in vulnerable situations, paints a troubling picture of his interactions with the group.

The infamous "wicked dentist"

Riley's reputation as The Beatles' "wicked dentist" stems not only from these allegations but also from an incident where he allegedly spiked Lennon, Harrison, and their partners with LSD without their consent. Harrison later speculated that Riley's motives were deeply inappropriate, suggesting he had fantasies of orchestrating a "big gang bang."

Riley died in a car crash in 1986, but the disturbing stories surrounding him persist. While Brown's book offers no definitive proof of the allegations, the resurfaced claims have reignited discussions about the dark and complex aspects of The Beatles' rise to fame.

As fans celebrate the band's legacy, these revelations serve as a reminder of the shadows that often accompany stardom.