The gay sex harassment scandal that’s embroiled Liz Taylor and her butler has taken an ugly new turn — staffers say the butler has made tape recordings in Liz’s home that could humiliate the ailing screen legend.
Four weeks ago The ENQUIRER revealed that Liz’s longtime caretaker Willem Van Muyden had filed a lawsuit charging he was fired after fending off the sexual advances of French butler Jean-Luc Lacquement.
And the suit said Jean-Luc, 34, was taking Viagra to have sex with the 71-year-old actress and he referred to her as “the old trampoline.”
Now the household is buzzing with word that Jean-Luc taped some staff members talking about Liz — and the tapes could contain embarrassing talk about the butler’s alleged sex affair with Liz, a source close to the actress told The ENQUIRER.
“Jean-Luc had a small tape recorder and then egged on his co-workers to talk trash.
“Later Jean-Luc confronted the staff members and told them to watch their step. He warned that if they ever cross him, he just might have to play the tapes for Liz.
“It seems like a subtle threat. It could be his way to get the other workers to clam up and not testify on Willem’s behalf.
“Only Jean-Luc knows for sure what’s on the tapes. But the way he went on and on about his alleged affair with Liz, there’s certainly a chance that sexy details were captured by his tape recorder. Knowing him, he was probably looking for the staff’s reaction to claims that he bedded the boss, just so he could hold it over their heads and even play it for Liz herself. That stuff’s very likely on the tapes.”
When contacted by The ENQUIRER and asked about the tapes, Liz’s spokeswoman Sally Morrison had “no comment.”
When contacted by The ENQUIRER, Jean-Luc also had “no comment” and a source close to Liz said the butler denies taping anyone.
But an insider declared: “Jean-Luc did tape some conversations with maids, as well as other Taylor staff members. It’s possible that those tapes may surface during the proceedings leading up to the sex harassment case.”
In legal papers, Willem has charged Liz and Jean-Luc with sexual harassment, wrongful discharge and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
“He filed against Liz because he alleges that she created the unprofessional atmosphere that led to his dismissal,” said the close source.
“The amazing thing is that Liz is sticking by Jean-Luc. It’s never entered her mind that he may have used and abused her and could hang her out to dry.
“It seemed natural that Liz would get rid of him in an attempt to clear herself of wrongdoing, but instead she’s stood steadfastly by Jean-Luc.”
And Jean-Luc may feel that the tapes would render him a job for life, the source added.
“He thinks no one will complain to Liz and they’re the ace up his sleeve.
“Liz has heard the scuttlebutt about the tapes, but she’s dismissed it.
“The final indignity will be if Jean-Luc releases tapes of her most trusted workers criticizing and making a fool of her!”
