The Beales of Grey Gardens were a mother-daughter duo who lived in a run-down mansion called Grey Gardens in East Hampton, New York. The house became increasingly dilapidated, and the neighbors contacted the authorities in 1971, leading to a visit from the county health department. The Beales were told that unless the house was cleaned up, they would be evicted. The news that Jacqueline Onassis had close relatives living in filth was an occasion of scandal and Schadenfreude, and she offered to pay for a cleanup of the property. The Beales were allowed to stay in their home, and in time, they were introduced to the documentary filmmakers Albert and David Maysles, who made the Beales the subject of the documentary "Grey Gardens" (1975) . The documentary provided an intimate portrayal of their lives, shedding light on their mental health struggles, strained family dynamics, and the unconventional living conditions they endured. The Beales eccentric lifestyle became a subject of fascination for many, and their story touched the hearts of many, leading to a groundswell of support from strangers who admired their spirit and refused to let adversity break them. The decline of their financial situation played a significant role in their mental health struggles.