JFK Jr.’s Nephew Criticizes Ryan Murphy’s Latest Series
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There has been a recent uproar within the Kennedy family as Jack Schlossberg, nephew of John F. Kennedy Jr., publicly expressed his disapproval of Ryan Murphy’s upcoming TV series, “American Love Story.” The show focuses on the tragic love story between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, depicting their whirlwind romance and untimely deaths.
Schlossberg, the son of Caroline Kennedy, took to social media to voice his concerns about the series, stating that the family was not consulted or involved in any way in the making of the show. He criticised the portrayal of his famous uncle and aunt, labelling it as “grotesque” and raised issues about profiting from their personal tragedy.

The upcoming series showcases Hollywood newcomer Paul Kelly as JFK Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette. The on-screen couple’s romance captivated the world in the ’90s before they met a tragic end in a plane crash in 1999. The first-look photos of Kelly and Pidgeon in character stirred emotions within the Kennedy family, prompting Schlossberg to address the lack of family consultation.
Schlossberg highlighted the importance of respecting his uncle’s legacy and values, urging the creators of the series to honour his achievements and consider giving back some of the profits made from the show. He emphasised that while admiration for JFK Jr. is appreciated, commercialising his story in a distasteful manner is not.
In response to the criticism, Murphy defended the series, particularly the portrayal of Carolyn Bessette by Sarah Pidgeon. He acknowledged the fervour surrounding Bessette’s depiction and likened her status to that of a “religious figure.” Murphy emphasised the challenges Bessette faced in the spotlight and how the public scrutiny she endured in real life is being reflected in the series.
“American Love Story” also features Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy, Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette, and Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein. The series is part of Murphy’s anthology collection, which includes popular titles like “American Horror Story” and “American Crime Story.”
As the controversy continues to swirl around the upcoming series, a release date for “American Love Story” is yet to be announced. The dispute raises questions about the portrayal of real-life tragedies in entertainment and the ethical considerations involved when depicting historical figures and events onscreen.
Overall, the clash between artistic interpretation and family legacy remains a debated topic, shedding light on the complexities of storytelling and memorialising iconic figures in history. It reminds audiences to consider the sensitivity and respect required when delving into personal narratives for public consumption.
