Keith Richards, the guitarist for The Rolling Stones, was accused of ending Anita Pallenberg's acting career due to feelings of betrayal after she had an affair with Mick Jagger. This incident occurred around the time Pallenberg became pregnant with their first son, Marlon. According to a documentary titled "Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg," which features excerpts from Pallenberg’s unpublished memoir read by Scarlett Johansson, Richards offered Pallenberg money not to act. Pallenberg, who passed away in 2017, expressed feelings of confusion and betrayal in the memoir. She admitted to using heroin again as a coping mechanism during this period.
The documentary also explores the strains in Richards and Pallenberg’s relationship following the death of their third child, Tara, leading to their separation of their children; Marlon was sent to live with Richards in the US, while their daughter Angela was sent to England. Richards defended his actions as necessary given the circumstances. Pallenberg reportedly suffered a nervous breakdown following these events.
The memoir and documentary reveal the personal and professional turmoil in Pallenberg’s life, impacted significantly by her relationships within The Rolling Stones and her struggles with addiction.