Olivia Nuzzi, a political journalist whose reputation has recently come under fire, saw her much-anticipated book about her controversial sexting relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. flop after selling fewer than 1,200 copies in its debut week. Specifically, “American Canto” moved only 1,165 hardcopies, according to Circana BookScan data.
The underwhelming sales figures align with harsh critiques from reviewers and readers alike. Before its December 2 release, the book garnered significant media buzz, becoming a hot topic of conversation. However, the excitement didn’t translate into strong sales, particularly given the expectations set by publishing insiders, who had estimated sales of at least 5,000 copies for the first week.
“I think there’s a general consensus that her credibility has taken a hit. Many readers just won’t trust her as a dependable storyteller,” a publishing source mentioned. They suggested that those involved in the project should reconsider their decisions, calling it a comprehensive failure.
Once praised in her earlier career at New York Magazine, Nuzzi’s trajectory changed after news of her affair with Kennedy, who is now the Secretary of Health and Human Services. “American Canto” was touted as a major comeback, blending memoir and reflections on America during the Trump era. Despite receiving a softer portrayal in the New York Times and a Vanity Fair excerpt, the resulting sales were disappointing.
In the book, Nuzzi refers to Kennedy merely as a “politician,” while providing a glimpse into how their relationship caught public attention amid his unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid. Although she claims they never had a physical relationship, she admits they expressed affection through words, with Kennedy allegedly saying “I love you” first.
Yet, some critics argue Nuzzi hasn’t fully disclosed details about her affair with RFK Jr. Additionally, her ex-fiancé Ryan Lizza has been vocal in his disapproval on social media, contending that Nuzzi appears to be acting as a “political operative” against Kennedy and undermining journalistic ethics. He even accused her of previously engaging in an inappropriate relationship with Mark Sanford while covering him during the 2020 campaign, insinuating a pattern.
In a related note, Condé Nast, the parent company of Vanity Fair, revealed on December 5 that they had mutually decided to let Nuzzi’s contract lapse at the end of the year, primarily for the magazine’s benefit.
