In a dramatic revelation, actor Griffin Dunne has unveiled the haunting secret that his father, Dominick Dunne, kept hidden during the highly publicized murder trial of his sister, Dominique Dunne, who starred in the blockbuster film Poltergeist. The shocking disclosure came to light in Griffin's new memoir, "The Friday Afternoon Club," where he delves into his upbringing among Hollywood royalty and the tragic events that rocked their prominent family.

Dominick Dunne, already facing personal hardships after a series of setbacks, including financial struggles and the loss of all his possessions, was compelled by future Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown to document his experiences and emotions leading up to the trial. However, Griffin has now exposed that his father omitted a crucial part of the story, burdened by the fear that it could derail the trial, bring shame to the family, and ultimately allow his daughter's killer to escape justice.

Only on his deathbed, battling bladder cancer, did Dominick confide in his son about his 30-year affair with one of Dominique's best friends, a woman much younger than him. This revelation brought forth a new perspective for Griffin, unraveling the mysteries of his father's life and prompting him to dive deeper into the journal entries that were never made public.

Griffin's memoir not only exposes his father's secrets but also recounts his encounters with Hollywood icons like Frank Sinatra, Dennis Hopper, and Harrison Ford, who worked as a handyman for Griffin's aunt, acclaimed author Joan Didion. The memoir also touches upon the close friendship between Griffin and the late Carrie Fisher, who lost her virginity to him.

The murder of Dominique Dunne, a rising actress known for her roles in Poltergeist, Hart to Hart, and Fame, sent shockwaves through the Hollywood community. Her abusive ex-boyfriend, John Thomas Sweeney, strangled her to death on the driveway of her West Hollywood home in 1982. The subsequent trial saw artist Norman Carby as a star witness, shedding light on the abuse Dominique endured. Unfortunately, Sweeney was only convicted of voluntary manslaughter, much to the anger and dismay of the Dunne family.

Griffin delves into his father's strained relationship with Carby, finally discovering the root of their coldness towards each other during a heartwrenching encounter in Germany. Carby, a close friend of Dominique's, had been a confidant and lover to Dominick during his darkest days. The revelation of Dominick and Carby's long-term relationship left Griffin wondering why it was concealed for so many years, especially when being a gay man in the entertainment industry was becoming less stigmatized.

It was only after Dominick's death that Griffin stumbled upon his father's notebook, intended for Tina Brown's publication, where Dominick expressed his deep fear that Adelson, Sweeney's defense lawyer, would exploit his relationship with Carby to discredit both his testimony and character. Dominick's journal detailed his desperation, vowing that he would take his own life if his secret was exposed, further showcasing the immense anguish he experienced during the trial.

As Griffin shares his father's harrowing journey, he emphasizes the pain of being alone during such trying times and wishes he could have embraced his father and offered solace. "The Friday Afternoon Club" offers a profound insight into the Dunne family's struggles with tragedy, secrets, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Griffin's memoir, published by Penguin Press, sheds light on a tumultuous period in Hollywood history, ultimately revealing the devastating toll it took on his family.