Olivia Nuzzi Looks Towards New Journalism Opportunity Post RFK Jr. Sexting Scandal Loss: Report
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Political journalist Olivia Nuzzi is considering a comeback to journalism after her job and personal life were impacted by a sexting scandal involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last year. According to a report by Semafor on August 24, Vanity Fair’s new top editor, Mark Guiducci, is on the lookout for noteworthy writers to rejuvenate the magazine, with Nuzzi being one of the potential candidates. Nuzzi, recognized as a former “30 Under 30” awardee, extensively covered MAGA insiders as New York magazine’s inaugural Washington correspondent in 2017.
While there is no explicit confirmation about Nuzzi receiving a formal job offer from Vanity Fair, sources mention that Guiducci and Nuzzi have engaged in discussions regarding her potential role as a writer at the magazine. In September 2024, Nuzzi’s world drastically changed when New York magazine released a statement disclosing that she had confessed to engaging in a relationship with a past interview subject “during the campaign.” The magazine declared that had they known about this relationship, Nuzzi would not have been allowed to cover the presidential campaign. Consequently, she was put on leave and later parted ways with the publication.
Shortly after the scandal broke, Nuzzi admitted to the existence of a “personal” aspect in her communication with a reporting subject but clarified that she did not utilize them as a source or cover them directly during that time. She expressed regret for not disclosing the nature of their relationship sooner to avoid any conflicts, apologizing to those she had let down, particularly her colleagues at New York. Although neither Nuzzi nor New York divulged the subject’s identity, insider sources swiftly informed CNN that it was Kennedy, who had withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race a month prior to endorse former President Donald Trump, after Nuzzi had profiled him in November 2023.
Following her suspension, rumors circulated regarding the alleged intimate texts exchanged between Nuzzi and Kennedy, who is married to actress Cheryl Hines since 2014. Notably, at the time of the scandal, Nuzzi was engaged to Ryan Lizza, Politico’s chief Washington correspondent. Amid a contentious legal battle, Lizza accused Nuzzi of engaging in extremely reckless behavior. Lizza’s claims, as per court filings cited by CNN, depicted Nuzzi describing her association with Kennedy as “toxic” and “unhealthy,” highlighting the significant power difference between them. Nuzzi reportedly expressed Kennedy’s desires to “control,” “possess,” and “impregnate” her.
In response to the allegations put forth by Lizza, a spokesperson for Kennedy dismissed the claims as false and denied the existence of any relationship between Kennedy and Nuzzi. While addressing the situation in 2024, a representative for Kennedy reiterated that the accusations were baseless and stated that Kennedy would not engage in discussions based on third-party allegations amidst a dispute. Subsequently, post-scandal, Kennedy proceeded to serve as Trump’s secretary of health and human services.
In conclusion, Olivia Nuzzi’s potential involvement with Vanity Fair marks a possible resurgence in her journalism career following the tumultuous events of the past year. The circumstances surrounding her departure from New York have been layered with controversy and allegations, underscoring the complexities within the realm of political journalism.