There is a demon who puts wings on certain tales and launches them like eagles out into space.

A private sin is not so prejudicial in this world as a public indecency.

Never make a defense or apology before you be accused.

Gossip is a sort of smoke that comes from the dirty tobacco pipes of those who diffuse it; it proves nothing but the bad taste of the smoker.

Humiliation is the beginning of sanctification.

Everyone knows about everybody in Hollywood—who sleeps with whom, who doesn’t sleep, who does it standing on his head or in the dentist’s chair.

Journalists belong in the gutter, because that is where the ruling classes throw their guilty secrets.

Shamelessness is the shame of being without shame.

Scandal begins where the police leave off.

The purest joy is to live without disguise, unconstrained by the ties of a grave reputation.

Gossip isn’t scandal and it’s not merely malicious. It’s chatter about the human race by lovers of the same.

The world is for thousands a freak show; the images flicker past and vanish.

There is a vital force in rumor. Though crushed to earth, to all intents and purposes buried, it can rise again without apparent effort.