The story of John Lennon and his wives is often simplified to Cynthia Powell and Yoko Ono. However, a newly “discovered” photograph and accompanying tale suggest a much more complex narrative, hinting at a period in the Beatle’s life shrouded in secrecy and multiple marriages. Could it be that before Yoko, John Lennon had not one, but several wives?
According to this unearthed account, John Lennon, during the whirlwind years of Beatlemania, allegedly engaged in polygamy. While legally married to his first wife, Cynthia, it’s claimed Lennon participated in wedding ceremonies with at least two other women. The photograph accompanying this revelation supposedly captures one such ceremony from April 1964, featuring Lennon and a woman named Jeni.
1960s fan-made photo depicting John Lennon and Jeni in a mock wedding, referencing a fictional story about John Lennon’s wives before Yoko Ono.
The narrative unfolds, stating that Lennon met Jeni during the filming of “A Hard Day’s Night.” Intrigued by the idea of being married to a Beatle, Jeni allegedly agreed to become his second wife. While Cynthia was reportedly less than thrilled, Jeni supposedly resided in a London flat. The story continues into 1965, during the filming of “Help!”, where Lennon is said to have taken a third bride, Marsha (or Marcha), who then moved in with Jeni.
Adding another layer to this extraordinary tale, it’s suggested that the other Beatles were aware of Lennon’s unconventional marital arrangements. While disapproving, they supposedly tolerated it, believing John should have the freedom to live as he pleased. The narrative even connects this to George Harrison’s line in “Taxman” – “There’s one for you nineteen for me” – interpreting it as Lennon’s aspiration to have twenty wives in total.
The plot thickens with the arrival of Yoko Ono. According to this account, Yoko’s desire to be the sole legal wife led Lennon to reconsider his polygamous lifestyle. Upon meeting Yoko, Lennon purportedly ended his relationships with Jeni and Marsha and sought a divorce from Cynthia to marry Yoko. Cynthia, allegedly offered to remain as one of his wives, declined and ultimately left. Communication with Jeni and Marsha was abruptly cut off, and this chapter of Lennon’s life remained hidden until Jeni supposedly came forward with her story and the photograph.
But here’s the twist: APRIL FOOLS! The truth is, John Lennon was never a polygamist. This elaborate story and photograph are a playful fabrication, a bit of fiction spun for entertainment. While the idea of John Lennon having multiple wives might seem outlandish, it’s a fun thought experiment to consider the intense scrutiny and fantastical rumors that surrounded the Beatles during their meteoric rise to fame. Hopefully, this lighthearted detour brought a smile to your face and served as a reminder to always approach sensational stories with a healthy dose of skepticism, especially around April 1st!
