1973: Proof of desperation! John Paul Getty III's kidnappers mailed his severed right ear to a Rome newspaper. Why? To convince his multi-millionaire grandfather, J. Paul Getty, to finally pay the ransom. Initially, the family suspected a prank. After months and a ransom reduction from $17 million to $2.9 million, Getty Sr. relented, but only loaned the money to his son at 4% interest. Talk about a 'loan shark'! Getty Sr. reportedly haggled with the kidnappers over the ransom amount, arguing it

At 16, wealthy heir John Paul Getty III was infamously kidnapped. Caught in a stand-off between ruthless criminals and one of the world's richest men, Getty survived the horrific experience—but fate had a much crueler twist in store. | Factinate

John Paul Getty III era nieto del hombre más rico del mundo. Su abuelo John Paul Getty era un magnate del petróleo, pero cuando pidieron dinero por el rescate, él se negó a pagarlo. Prefería que perdiera la vida antes que despilfarrar sus millones. John Paul Getty III sufriría las consecuencias de la avaricia en carne propia. Pero su historia sería una aparte de todas las barbaridades dentro de la familia. La estirpe estaba maldita... venderían su alma por dinero. | El Testigo

Son grand-père était le premier milliardaire de l’histoire. A 16 ans, il est kidnappé par des gangsters. La demande de rançon, énorme, s'accompagne d'une menace: payez, on vous le renvoie en morceau.Le grand-père milliardaire va refuser.C'est la tragique histoire de John Paul Getty III. | Loopsider