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In her recent memoir titled American Canto, former political journalist Olivia Nuzzi offers an unvarnished account of her controversial affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This relationship, which began while Kennedy was campaigning for the presidency, has garnered considerable media attention and resulted in a significant shift in Nuzzi’s career. The book not only illuminates their personal connection but also critiques the broader landscape of American politics and media.
The beginning of a scandal
Nuzzi’s tumultuous journey commenced in late 2025 with an article she wrote about Kennedy, paving the way for their romantic involvement. In her memoir, she recounts a series of intimate exchanges that developed through text messages, where they shared personal thoughts and insights. Despite their age difference—Nuzzi is 32 and Kennedy is 71—the two discovered common ground in their beliefs and perspectives.
Shared emotions and vulnerabilities
In her communication with Kennedy, Nuzzi recalls moments when he expressed his deep feelings for her, notably telling her, ‘I love you.’ In her book, she emphasizes her admiration for Kennedy’s blue eyes, which she poetically likens to ‘the flame.’ Their connection is portrayed as one of emotional depth and mutual understanding, despite the challenges posed by their public lives.
Consequences of the affair
The affair did not stay under wraps for long. By October of the following year, details of the relationship emerged, leading to significant personal and professional repercussions for Nuzzi. She lost her position at New York Magazine and her engagement to fellow journalist Ryan Lizza came to an abrupt end. In her memoir, Nuzzi reflects on her regret regarding the lack of transparency about her communications with Kennedy. She underscores the necessity of disclosing such relationships to prevent conflicts of interest.
Reflections on a complex situation
Nuzzi has clarified that her relationship was never physical, yet the emotional connection they shared was significant. She expressed concern over the impact the scandal had on her career and personal life, stating, ‘I deeply regret not doing so immediately.’ Despite the turmoil, she remains steadfast about the unique bond they had, highlighting their commonalities in thought and emotional expression.
The response from Kennedy and Hines
As Nuzzi dealt with the fallout from their relationship, RFK Jr. sought to minimize the affair, asserting that their interactions were minimal and that he had only met her once for an interview. His wife, actress Cheryl Hines, has also addressed the scandal in her memoir. Hines discusses the difficulties the couple faced, detailing how they managed the emotional upheaval caused by the revelations.
In her book, Unscripted, Hines discusses the intense media scrutiny she faced during a personal crisis. While vacationing in Italy, she reflects on how the surrounding news impacted her view of her marriage. Hines candidly shares her feelings of inadequacy, remarking, ‘This latest story was leaving me with the feeling of being unimportant to him.’ However, after addressing these challenges together, the couple committed to rebuilding their relationship and strengthening their bond.
Looking ahead
Nuzzi begins her tenure as the West Coast editor for Vanity Fair equipped with insights gained from her relationship with RFK Jr. The narrative in American Canto transcends the details of the affair, offering a broader examination of love, ambition, and the delicate balance between personal and public lives in a sensationalist age.
The repercussions of the scandal highlight the intense scrutiny that public figures endure, along with the emotional fallout that often accompanies such exposure. Nuzzi’s account serves as a profound investigation into the interplay between personal relationships and the harsh realities of political journalism.