A political scandal has erupted that could make even the most jaded Washington insider raise an eyebrow.
The New York Post reported that in a Substack piece published Saturday, Ryan Lizza, ex-fiancé of political reporter Olivia Nuzzi, has unleashed a torrent of allegations about an emotional affair between Nuzzi and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., complete with salacious texts and claims of journalistic misconduct.
The saga began in 2023 when Nuzzi met Kennedy Jr. for an interview about then-SAG-AFTRA chief Fran Drescher, a piece that never saw the light of day.
Shortly after, the two reportedly went on a hike in Los Angeles, where Kennedy allegedly gripped her hand forcibly. It's an odd start to what Lizza paints as a deeply troubling entanglement.
Lizza's revelations include a provocative poem, dubbed "American Canyon," allegedly sent by Kennedy Jr. to Nuzzi, with content too explicit for full reproduction.
One line, as Lizza recounts, reads, "Yr open mouth awaiting my harvest," hinting at a level of intimacy that clashes with both parties' public denials of any physical relationship. One must wonder how such words align with the image of a public servant.
Kennedy Jr. has insisted he met Nuzzi only once in person for a New York Magazine profile, denying any relationship, online or offline. Meanwhile, Lizza calls their claim of no physical involvement "improbable," casting doubt on the official narrative.
Lizza describes Nuzzi's fixation on Kennedy Jr. as a "near-total obsession" that "seeped into every corner of her life," painting a picture of a journalist consumed by her subject.
This isn't just a personal failing in his view—it's a professional one, with allegations of Nuzzi aiding Kennedy Jr. through unethical means like crafting campaign memos. If true, this crosses a line no reporter should ever approach.
Adding fuel to the fire, Lizza reveals a past affair Nuzzi allegedly had in 2020 with former South Carolina Republican Mark Sanford while profiling him for Vanity Fair.
This encounter, reportedly a one-night event on Feb. 24, 2020, fits what Lizza sees as a pattern of attachments to older, powerful men. It's a troubling trend that raises questions about judgment in a field where objectivity is paramount.
Nuzzi's history also includes a flair for attention, as internet detectives uncovered a 2009 MySpace page under the name "Livvy" featuring a song titled "Jailbait." The lyrics, while youthful indiscretion, hint at a long-standing desire for the spotlight. In a culture obsessed with fame, this detail feels less surprising than sadly predictable.
Lizza's Substack piece wasn't just a personal vendetta; it came after Nuzzi announced her own tell-all titled "American Canto" about her connection with Kennedy Jr. He claims to have warned her during their breakup that he’d speak the truth about their split. Clearly, this is a man who felt betrayed and is now laying all cards on the table.
Among the most damning accusations are Lizza's claims of Nuzzi's unethical journalistic behavior, including executing so-called "catch-and-kill operations" for Kennedy Jr. Such actions, if verified, strike at the heart of journalistic integrity. In an era where trust in media is already fragile, this is a gut punch to the profession.
Publicly, Nuzzi and Kennedy Jr. maintain their relationship never turned physical, a stance that Lizza finds hard to believe.
With texts as suggestive as those described, the public might also struggle to accept that narrative at face value. The court of opinion rarely waits for all the evidence.
The personal toll on Lizza is evident as he recounts staying with Nuzzi after learning of her 2020 affair with Sanford, citing COVID lockdowns as a reason for not ending things sooner. It's a human moment in a story filled with calculated moves and public personas. Sometimes, personal chaos mirrors the political kind.
Kennedy Jr.'s role as a high-ranking official only amplifies the stakes of this controversy. When personal conduct collides with public duty, it’s not just a tabloid story—it’s a question of credibility for an administration. Conservatives often champion personal responsibility, and this situation tests that principle.