New York Magazine scribe Olivia Nuzzi suspended following disclosure of romantic involvement with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Despite the magazine choosing anonymity, an individual privy to the situation shared with CNN that the connection was with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former independent presidential candidate who recently backed Donald Trump. This individual claimed the bond was emotional and online, devoid of a physical aspect.
Upon being contacted by CNN, a Kennedy representative failed to provide an immediate comment but informed Oliver Darcy of Status, who initially broke the news, that Kennedy denied any romantic involvement with Nuzzi. They asserted, "Mr. Kennedy met Olivia Nuzzi just once in his life, for an interview she proposed, resulting in a derogatory piece."
Reacting to CNN, Nuzzi stated her relationship with a story subject had evolved into a personal one, expressing regret over not disclosing it to the publication.
She explained, "During the early part of this year, the dynamic of some exchanges between myself and a previous reportee morphed into a personal realm. During that period, I did not continue reporting on the subject or employ them as a source." The relationship lacked a physical aspect, but transparency was required to avoid the impression of a conflict. She expressed profound remorse for not disclosing it promptly and apologized to those she let down, particularly her New York colleagues.
A statement from New York magazine announced that Nuzzi is currently on a break and the publication is conducting a more detailed, third-party examination.
Nuzzi penned a piece on Kennedy last November and has authored many features about Trump and his 2024 campaign since then.
According to the magazine, Nuzzi "recently" acknowledged a link with a reporting subject, which breached the magazine's principles regarding conflicts of interest and disclosures.
The New York magazine statement further specified, "Had we known of this relationship, she would not have continued reporting on the presidential campaign."
The magazine also stated that "a review of her published work has discovered no inaccuracies nor indications of bias." Regardless, the magazine expressed regret over this violation of trust towards its readers.
After the acknowledgment of a link with a reporting subject, Nuzzi was criticized for failing to disclose this in her business dealings with the media. Despite denying any romantic involvement, Kennedy's connection with the media figure raised eyebrows, causing further scrutiny of his business associations.
