Christine Keeler was a British model and showgirl who became embroiled in one of the most notorious political scandals of the 20th century. In the early 1960s, she had an affair with John Profumo, the British Secretary of State for War, while also having a relationship with a Soviet naval attaché, Yevgeny Ivanov.
The scandal erupted in 1963 when it was revealed that Keeler had been involved with both men at the same time, raising concerns about national security and the possibility of espionage. The scandal became known as the Profumo affair and rocked the British government, leading to the resignation of Profumo and damaging the reputation of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.
Keeler was vilified in the press and became a symbol of the moral decay of British society. She was put on trial for perjury and found guilty, spending six months in prison. Despite her notoriety, Keeler continued to live a tumultuous life, including a failed marriage and several more run-ins with the law.
Despite the scandal, Christine Keeler remained a figure of fascination and intrigue, inspiring numerous books, films, and documentaries. Her story continues to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of mixing politics, sex, and national security.