In a bold stance, Olivia Nuzzi condemned Hollywood’s detrimental portrayal of female journalists, who are often illustrated as alluring figures willing to sacrifice their integrity. Recently, this well-known political reporter has taken a hiatus from New York Magazine amid swirling rumors of a purported romance with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Reports indicate that Nuzzi recently admitted to the magazine’s editors her involvement with Kennedy while covering his presidential campaign, prompting significant concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Though an internal review uncovered no inaccuracies in her reporting, the magazine is now undertaking a comprehensive third-party investigation and has expressed regret for the erosion of trust with its audience. Compounding this issue, an old tweet resurfaced in which Nuzzi highlighted the unrealistic and harmful stereotypes that women in media frequently face.
Nuzzi Takes Leave Following Allegations of Romantic Involvement
In a detailed statement, New York Magazine clarified its position, emphasizing that had they been aware of Nuzzi’s relationship with Kennedy sooner, she would not have been permitted to cover the campaign. “Recently, our Washington Correspondent Olivia Nuzzi acknowledged to the magazine’s editors that she had engaged in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign while she was reporting on the campaign, a violation of the magazine’s standards around conflicts of interest and disclosures,” a spokesperson stated.
Nuzzi Admits to Inappropriate Personal Connection
In her own words, Nuzzi revealed that she had become too personally involved with someone she had reported on earlier this year, even though she did not use him as a source for her work. While she clarified that the relationship was not physical, she conceded that she should have disclosed it to avert any perceived conflict of interest. “During that time, 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,” her statement elaborated.
Past Critique Revisited Amid Current Controversy
In her 2015 critique, Nuzzi spotlighted Hollywood’s harmful depiction of female journalists as figures willing to compromise their integrity for sensational stories. Recalling her own experiences, she shared an instance with two teenagers who mistakenly believed her work revolved around seduction rather than serious journalism. With the emergence of rumors regarding her connection to the former presidential candidate, social media users have unearthed her previous statements, juxtaposing her earlier critiques with the present controversy.
While New York Magazine did not explicitly mention Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sources familiar with the situation revealed that Nuzzi did not disclose her alleged relationship with him initially. The magazine became aware of the issue only recently.
Comments from social media users reflected this irony: “There. Is. Always. A. Tweet,” one remarked. Another quipped, “They say like attracts like…. her ego, his ego saw their twin.” A third user highlighted the stark contrast in Nuzzi’s previous writing.
Kennedy’s Camp Denies Romantic Involvement
Meanwhile, Kennedy’s team, which has recently suspended his campaign in critical battleground states, has denied any romantic connection between him and Nuzzi. “Mr. Kennedy met Olivia Nuzzi only once for an interview she requested, which resulted in a critical article,” a spokesperson told Status.
Additionally, an insider confirmed that Kennedy was not used as a source during Nuzzi’s campaign coverage. However, another source suggested that the two may have begun a romantic relationship earlier this year.