The Late Lord Shaftesbury: A Life of Excess and Tragedy
Born in 1938, Lord Anthony Ashley-Cooper was a member of the illustrious Shaftesbury dynasty. However, his reputation was far from that of his ancestors, who were renowned for their philanthropic endeavors. The 10th Earl gained notoriety for his hedonistic lifestyle, which included excessive partying, lavish spending, and a predilection for call girls.
In 2002, Lord Shaftesbury married Jamila M’Barek, a former Playboy model. Their relationship would ultimately lead to his tragic demise. In 2004, after a failed attempt to reconcile with his estranged wife, Lord Shaftesbury vanished without a trace.
His disappearance sparked a global investigation, with various theories emerging. However, the truth was far more sinister. It was later revealed that Lord Shaftesbury had been murdered, and his body had been left in a ravine in a forest near Cannes.
Jamila M’Barek and her brother were arrested and charged with arranging and carrying out the murder, respectively. In a shocking turn of events, Lord Shaftesbury’s heir, his son Anthony, passed away just one month after his father’s body was found.
A jury found the M’Barek siblings guilty, and both were sentenced to 25 years in prison. Jamila has since been released, but her brother remains incarcerated.
In the Channel 5 documentary “A Very British Sex Scandal: The Earl & The Escort,” Jamila speaks about the shocking case for the first time. She denies wanting her husband dead but expresses regret for the pain she caused his family.
The murder of Lord Shaftesbury stands as a cautionary tale of the destructive power of greed and obsession. It is a story that continues to captivate and shock, highlighting the dark underbelly that can lurk beneath the facade of wealth and privilege.
