Former New York Magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi is facing backlash for past tweets, which criticized Hollywood’s portrayal of female journalists. This comes amid the release of excerpts from her upcoming memoir detailing her sexting relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The 32-year-old political reporter has drawn ridicule after sharing intimate details about her emotionally charged affair with the 71-year-old Kennedy. In her book titled “American Canto,” she reflects on their complex relationship.
On January 19, 2015, Nuzzi tweeted, “Why does Hollywood think its female journalists are sleeping with their sources?” while linking to an article questioning Hollywood’s treatment of female reporters.
As her career took a hit due to revelations about her relationship with the now Health Secretary, who was married to actress Cheryl Hines, that old tweet caught people’s attention again.
One user quipped, “In 2015 she tweeted about the misconception that female journalists were sleeping with their sources. Then she admitted to having an affair with RFK Jr. and got fired.” The irony didn’t go unnoticed.
Another commenter jokingly called attention to the “mystery” of her situation, while a few more called her earlier tweet “one of the funniest of all time.” Some were quick to point out that it was surprising she hadn’t deleted that post.
In September 2019, Nuzzi posted a photo of former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, whom she allegedly had an affair with a year later. She mentioned it in a light-hearted manner, which was noted by her former fiancé, Politico reporter Ryan Rizza.
As conversations about Nuzzi’s past heated up, users revisited her previous posts, including a comment showcasing Sanford looking “happy,” to which Nuzzi joked, “I tend to be that way.”
She also shared a playful exchange with Rudy Giuliani in November 2020, captioning it, “Rudy Giuliani explains why he ignores me.” During their chat, Nuzzi texted him first, and Giuliani’s retort reflected his typically blunt style.
One social media user criticized Nuzzi’s trend of pursuing relationships with older men, calling out an apparent pattern in her dating history.
Nuzzi’s memoir discusses her connection with RFK Jr., highlighting how their interactions escalated after she wrote about him while he was still in the presidential race. She describes quirky details about him, from his favorite features to affectionate gestures and admissions of his love for her.
In light of the scandal, Kennedy has denied any inappropriate relationship and distanced himself from the controversy that has brought negative attention to both he and Nuzzi.
Following the fallout, Nuzzi’s personal life took a hit, leading to a breakup with Rizza and a move to Los Angeles, where she spent a year focused on her writing. She has since landed a position as the West Coast editor for Vanity Fair. Her book is set to be released next month.
