was movie star joan crawford an abusive mother?

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I read an article in the British Observer newspaper yesterday in which movie star and ledgend of the silver screen, Joan Crawford's adoptive daughter Christina said that her mother abused her both physically and psycholocally, and that she was a neurotic, highly strung alcoholic. She is re-instating these claims in an up-dated biography Mommy Dearest. But her other adobtive chidren say they never experienced abuse from Joan Crawford. I think that maybe Joan Crawford was affectiivly from a Victorian up- bringing which favoured strict discipline. I personally think such discipline could be construed as abuse in our modern day society. I also think that Joan Crawford was a career woman in a more profound mans world where she had to be extra tough. This does not , however detract from any suffering caused to Christina Crawford, who is clearly hurt if not tormented to the point where she has disowned her step mother'. Of couse there are those skeptics who argue that Christina Crawford is bitter because she was left out of her stap mother's will! But she subsequently, successfully contesteed and won her case over the will. What is your opinion? Was Christina abused by her movie star step mother Joan Crawford?