A recent book by political journalist Olivia Nuzzi, who reportedly had close connections with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has flopped in sales. According to Circana BookScan, her book titled “American Canto” managed to sell only 1,165 copies during its initial week, attracting a wave of criticism from reviewers.
While “American Canto” isn’t framed as a memoir, it does delve into Kennedy’s questionable relationship, alluding to him simply as a “politician.” A request for comment from Nuzzi’s representatives went unanswered.
Nuzzi found herself at the center of a scandal last year when details emerged of a digital relationship with Kennedy after she profiled him for New York Magazine in 2023. Following the scandal, she parted ways with the magazine.
Additionally, her ex-fiancé, who worked for Politico, accused her of having an affair with former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, a claim she has denied.
In her book tour, Nuzzi reflected on her secret meetings with Kennedy, remarking, “It was a mess.” During an interview, she acknowledged her ethical missteps, stating, “I did something wrong. These ethical rules exist for a reason.” She described being told by others to be “shameless,” but she emphasized the importance of feeling shame.
Nuzzi expressed her turmoil over the situation, mused about the nature of mistakes, and suggested that her experiences were part of a significant phase in her life. “At first, it’s like a drunken thought, you know, like, ‘Oh, can I do that?’ But then quickly it becomes clear that I can’t, and I have to live with myself,” she explained.
Despite her secretive meetings with RFK Jr., who is married to actress Cheryl Hines, Nuzzi claimed not to be worried about how it might affect the campaign, as she noticed his approval ratings were already declining after her profile on him.
Recently, Nuzzi exited Vanity Fair after facing allegations of an affair. A joint statement cited that the decision was made in the interest of the magazine as her contract is set to expire at the year’s end.
A spokesperson for Kennedy has denied any physical involvement, claiming he and Nuzzi met only once. Currently, Kennedy holds a position in the Trump administration as Secretary of Health.
