In a new book, Mafia Takedown, by former FBI agent Mike Campi, which details Frank Sinatra‘s association with crime families and gang members, Campi tells the story of how Sinatra was forced to beg for his life after he appeared on a hit list in the early 70s. Sinatra was summoned to a meeting held in secret in an East Harlem basement after he had provoked the Genovese crime family. A Genovese soldier, George Barone, who was one of Campi’s informants, was tasked with killing Sinatra due to his disrespect to the Genovese family by maintaining open affiliation with other crime families.
Sinatra was associated with the Genovese family, and it was often rumored that they also gave his career a boost. During his lifetime, the actor was a subject of controversy because of his known relationship with crime figures and his often belligerent attitude toward members of the press.
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Willie Moretti was allegedly Sinatra’s godfather. Also, Sinatra was linked to the Mexican USA-based gangster Charles Lucky Luciano, as information relating to Sinatra and his belongings were found in his possession during his home raid. It was also known that Sinatra had a close connection with Louie Dome Pacello, a Genovese soldier, and it seems the actor enjoyed the perks that came with his friendship with the gangsters as he had free access to office and landed different gigs while leveraging on their influence.
Thanks to the Genovese crime family connection, Sinatra landed a role in From Here to Eternity, and he later went on to win an Oscar award after he wasn’t considered for Private Angelo Maggio. Sinatra depended on the mafia’s connection to gain fame, and he was also allowed to play half-empty gigs in their clubs.
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Campi also released information about Sinatra’s dealings with the Genovese family through his conversations with his informant, George Barone, who infiltrated the crime family. Sinatra started crossing the line with the Genovese soldier after he became familiar with other crime families, having been spotted in pictures with multiple Gambino members.
The Genovese family got wind of this, and they had other information on how Sinatra was getting power drunk and exhibiting abusive behavior all around Las Vegas. Due to his constant disregard for the Genovese family, they decided to teach the actor a lesson and show him who was in charge, thankfully he was smart enough to plead for mercy when he was invited to a meeting at the Harlem basement where he was condemned to die.