Olivia Nuzzi Details Alleged Affair with RFK Jr. in Upcoming Memoir
In a revealing preview of her forthcoming memoir “American Canto,” journalist Olivia Nuzzi has shared extensive details about her alleged relationship with former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The New York Times profile, published on November 14, highlights Nuzzi’s account of what she describes as an intense emotional entanglement with the 71-year-old political figure. According to the preview, the 32-year-old journalist claims Kennedy told her he wanted to have a child with her, despite her previous statements suggesting their relationship was “never physical.” Nuzzi’s book, set for release on December 2, reportedly contains intimate details about their interactions, including claims that Kennedy was first to profess love, wrote her poetry, promised extraordinary devotion, and referred to her affectionately as “Livvy.” This memoir comes following months of public speculation and denial from both parties about the nature of their connection, which became public knowledge in September 2024 after Nuzzi conducted an interview with Kennedy for New York Magazine.
The controversy first erupted when New York Magazine announced Nuzzi had been placed on leave for failing to disclose an “inappropriate personal relationship” with a subject. Though the magazine didn’t identify Kennedy specifically, CNN and The New York Times quickly reported he was indeed the individual in question. When initially confronted, both Nuzzi and Kennedy issued statements denying a physical relationship. “I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source. The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict,” Nuzzi stated in September. “I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those I’ve disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.” Kennedy’s spokesperson was even more categorical in denial, claiming, “Mr. Kennedy only met Olivia Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece.” However, these denials now appear contradicted by the content of Nuzzi’s forthcoming memoir, which paints a picture of a much deeper emotional connection than previously acknowledged.
The personal fallout from the alleged affair has been significant for all involved. Court documents filed in October 2024 by Nuzzi’s former fiancé, Ryan Lizza, contained explosive claims about the nature of her relationship with Kennedy. In these documents, Lizza alleged that “Nuzzi had been cheating on me with a married man for almost a year.” He further claimed that Nuzzi herself described the relationship to him as “toxic,” “unhealthy,” “stupid,” “psychotic,” “crazy,” and “indefensible,” and that she characterized Kennedy as a “70-year-old ‘sex addict’ who told her he wanted to ‘possess,’ ‘control,’ and ‘impregnate’ her.” These court filings marked a stark public unraveling of Nuzzi’s personal life, as Lizza ended their engagement following the scandal. The professional consequences were equally severe, with New York Magazine placing Nuzzi on leave and initiating a “thorough third-party review” of her work, stating, “We regret this violation of our readers’ trust.”
Kennedy’s marriage to actress Cheryl Hines, whom he wed in 2014, has also been thrust into the spotlight as a result of these allegations. Hines addressed the controversy during an October appearance on “The Katie Miller Podcast,” where she maintained a measured response to the public speculation. “I think you always have to consider the source, right?” Hines remarked. “So that’s where I start. And then it ends with a conversation with Bobby.” The actress contextualized the allegations within the broader chaos of Kennedy’s presidential campaign, noting, “Bobby had been running for president, and it was an exhausting year-and-a-half of headlines and rumors and articles and chaos. And at that time, I thought, ‘OK, this is more chaos and more rumors.'” When specifically asked about Nuzzi’s upcoming book, Hines responded cryptically: “I don’t know this person. Don’t know their intentions. I could guess, but I won’t. But you can if you want.”
The controversy raises significant questions about journalistic ethics and the boundaries between reporters and their subjects. The alleged relationship between Nuzzi, a prominent political journalist, and Kennedy, a high-profile political figure, represents a clear conflict of interest that undermines journalistic objectivity. New York Magazine’s swift action to place Nuzzi on leave reflects the seriousness with which media organizations view such ethical breaches. Beyond the professional ramifications, the personal dimension of this story highlights the complicated entanglements that can occur between public figures in positions of influence and those tasked with reporting on them. The significant age difference between Nuzzi and Kennedy (nearly 40 years), coupled with the power dynamic inherent in their professional relationship, adds further complexity to an already troubling situation.
As the December 2 release date for “American Canto” approaches, the public can expect more revelations and likely additional responses from Kennedy’s camp. The book’s publication represents a new chapter in a scandal that has already cost Nuzzi her engagement and damaged her professional reputation. For Kennedy, who recently ended his presidential campaign and endorsed Donald Trump, these allegations add another controversial dimension to his public image. For Cheryl Hines, the book’s release will likely bring renewed attention to her marriage. The evolving nature of this story—from initial denials to Nuzzi’s apparent decision to share detailed accounts in her memoir—illustrates how quickly narratives can shift in high-profile scandals. Whatever the full truth of the situation may be, the publication of “American Canto” ensures that the personal and professional boundaries crossed in this relationship will continue to be a matter of public discourse and debate.
