New York. Feb. 24.—(AP)—While Broadway gossiped today of a bacchanalian party reported to have been given Monday night by Earl Carroll, theatrical producer, on the Great White Way, the official investigations to ascertain the facts were started. Police Commissioner McLaughlin took steps to determine whether there was a display of nudity and prohibition agents made preparations to learn whether a bathtub full of wine was served, as had been reported.
Published accounts of the supposed supper party said that wine was served from a bathtub in which a nude chorus girl reposed, dispensing the beverage to the guests, it was reported that approximately 200 guests at tended the party, in the Earl Carroll Theatre.
Mr. Carroll issued a flat denial of the bathtub-wine report. He said the party was entirely orderly and one which any man, even a minister, might have with propriety attended with his wife.
Chief Prohibition Enforcement Agent Tuttle started an investigation to determine the contents of the bathtub. His department, he said, was not interested in the bathing girl’s attire or lack of attire.
The countess of Cathcart, who attended, said that if there was any bathing done it took place after she left the theatre.
“While I was at the party nothing occurred to which anyone could take the least exception,” she said. “It was a wonderful party. I have never seen anything like it. We do not have such affairs in England.”
Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME, February 25, 1926