Controversy Surrounds Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Olivia Nuzzi Alleged Relationship

The controversy involving Olivia Nuzzi, a prominent journalist with New York magazine, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former presidential candidate, has stirred intense scrutiny in media circles. Allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Nuzzi and Kennedy have left both their personal and professional lives in disarray.

Nuzzi, New York magazine’s Washington correspondent, is currently on leave amidst the unfolding scandal. The magazine issued a statement noting that if it had been aware of the relationship, Nuzzi would have been removed from reporting duties on Kennedy’s presidential campaign. The internal investigation found no inaccuracies or evidence of bias in her work, but a “thorough third-party review” is ongoing.

This situation also involves Ryan Lizza, Politico‘s chief Washington correspondent and Nuzzi’s former fiancé. Lizza and Nuzzi had called off their engagement last summer following revelations about Nuzzi’s alleged involvement with Kennedy. Lizza accused Nuzzi of having a “disturbing relationship” with Kennedy, citing manipulation by the latter. Nuzzi, however, has denied any physical relationship, maintaining that the communication with Kennedy was personal but not romantic.

Lizza’s legal filings, submitted in Washington, D.C.’s Superior Court, paint a picture of conflict and allegations, with Lizza denying claims of harassment and blackmail made by Nuzzi. “Almost everything I know about her affair comes directly from Ms. Nuzzi herself,” Lizza stated. He further claimed that Nuzzi referred to her relationship with Kennedy as “toxic” and “unhealthy,” attributing the continuation of the relationship to a “huge power disparity” between them.

In her defense, Nuzzi obtained a temporary protective order against Lizza, alleging threats and harassment. Her counsel described Lizza’s legal actions as an extension of efforts to “harass and humiliate” her, seeking only court intervention for her safety. In contrast, Lizza expressed his devastation upon discovering Nuzzi’s “affair,” portraying it as a breach of their relationship’s trust.

Nuzzi’s involvement with Kennedy began after interviewing him for a profile last year. Speculation intensified as details of their alleged personal exchanges surfaced in media gossip, and she has admitted to “personal communications” but refuted claims of a romantic relationship. A spokesperson for Kennedy has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as “triple hearsay.”