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The dark side of children's author Roald Dahl

Caption: Russell Kane Host of Evil Genius Russell Kane: Think of an author you really love and then imagine they're a total git. Caption: Russell Kane's alternative obituaries Roald Dahl Russell Kane: There's no denying it, Roald Dahl was one of the most beloved and popular children's writers of all time. Caption: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory The BFG Matilda Russell Kane: These books and their film adaptations have been loved by generations. He was also a great short story writer for adults who remembers Tales of the Unexpected and it's TV adaptation? Russell Kane: But, and there are two massive buts, and when I'm talking about icons from history, I like big buts and I cannot lie. Russell Kane: Was he also a domineering bully and a misogynist? Two labels you wouldn't want on your Tinder profile. He once published a series of stories in Playboy with sadistic and misogynistic themes, including one which ends with a gynaecologist raping the love of his youth. Russell Kane: He began to dominate his wife after her illness, making her give a press conference where she vowed to return to work as an actress within a year. Russell Kane: He was also a prolific philanderer and had a series of affairs and eventually divorced his wife Patricia to marry Felicity Crosland. Russell Kane: Oh, and I forgot, he was an anti-Semite. Russell Kane: According to his biographer, Jeremy Treglown, Roald Dahl was out having dinner at the Curzon House club when he started loudly complaining about the number of Jews that were present. He was subsequently deprived of his membership. Russell Kane: Does the good outweigh the bad on Roald Dahl? Was he evil or was he a genius? You decide.