That is not true, in the least. It was a book written by an achoholic, suicidal son who was refuted by the other children and everyone, including Bob Hope, that knew the family well.
Thank you.
How many of his kids killed themselves out of depression and booze addiction? They were miserable...he left them zip in his will until they would reach their 80th birthday? If they managed to live that long? I have read a few accounts from family members that describe him as being ruthless, uncaring, cold, distant, beyond strict, and cruel with his mouth...verbally abusive wouldn't begin to describe what he said and was quoted over the years.
Oddly enough..a lot of it mimic's what Joan Crawford's life was told as..by her children.
I also remember Bing on Barbara Walters from years and years ago where Walters asked him "What would you do if your son came home with a woman and she spent the night over the house and they were not married?"
His response "I would disown him and never talk to him ever again.."
Walters: "Ever? Just for sleeping over the house?"
Crosby: "Never...hit the road pal...and don't look back"
I understand Bing's being a strict by the rules Dad and showing respect there...but he meant it..and it just showed that he lacked serious reason in his mind..and lacked the ability to give a love. Who the hell disowns their kid for life if they have a female sleep over? This is a man who of course based everything on his name and credibility on what he had built...however..he lived in Hollywood..and he saw everything that came with it.
You have to be kidding me Bing.