Jack Schlossberg, the nephew of the late John F. Kennedy Jr., has voiced strong criticism of FX’s series “Love Story,” which chronicles the romance between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Speaking during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Schlossberg expressed his discontent with the show’s executive producer, Ryan Murphy, emphasising that Murphy has no genuine understanding of his family or their experiences.
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Schlossberg’s remarks arose when he was asked about the series, which has garnered significant attention since its premiere. He stated, “If you want to know someone who’s never met anyone in my family, knows nothing about us, talk to Ryan Murphy. The guy knows nothing about what he’s talking about, and he’s making a ton of money on a grotesque display of someone else’s life.”
The show has drawn considerable interest not only due to its subject matter but also because it features Schlossberg’s parents, Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, in prominent supporting roles. Grace Gummer portrays Caroline, while Paul Anthony Kelly takes on the role of JFK Jr., and Ben Shenkman plays Edwin Schlossberg. The series vividly depicts JFK Jr. and Bessette’s passionate love story, culminating tragically with their untimely deaths in a plane crash in 1999.
Reflecting on the portrayal of his family in “Love Story,” Schlossberg believes the show fails to honour the memory of his uncle and aunt respectfully. He suggested that Murphy should consider donating some of the profits generated by the series to causes that were important to JFK Jr., such as the JFK Library. “This is not a documentary,” he reiterated, emphasising the need for sensitivity in how historical figures are depicted in popular media.
Jack Schlossberg did not hesitate to connect the series with broader political sentiments, expressing concern about how the legacy of the Kennedy name is being manipulated in current political discourse. He pointed to actions taken by former President Donald Trump, which he believes misrepresent the Kennedy family’s history, including the renaming of the Kennedy Center and alterations to Jacqueline Kennedy’s White House rose garden.
“There’s a lot of misinformation now and iconography being used about the Kennedy family, my family, at a time when we really can’t afford to confuse people,” Schlossberg commented. He urged Murphy and others to focus on impactful change rather than profiting from stories that intertwine with personal tragedies. “If Ryan Murphy really cares so much about the Kennedy family, my uncle John, maybe he would try to do something about getting Trump out of power,” he suggested.
This is not the first time Schlossberg has publicly expressed his disapproval. He has taken to social media previously, stating that the family was not consulted regarding the series. In contrast, Murphy’s response indicated a certain level of dismissal, suggesting that Schlossberg’s criticism lacked understanding of the project’s creative intent.
In response to Schlossberg’s remarks about the potential ethical considerations of producing such content, Murphy commented during a podcast appearance that it was an “odd choice” for Schlossberg to challenge the series given that he was hardly a direct witness to the events portrayed. In turn, Schlossberg hit back at Murphy’s comments, recalling personal memories of his uncle that underscore their close relationship.
Brad Simpson, the executive producer of “Love Story,” also addressed the backlash by acknowledging that the story might evoke painful memories for some viewers. He insisted that the series was created with sincerity and a desire to celebrate the lives of JFK Jr. and Bessette, implying that the production team endeavours to approach the material with love and respect.
Additionally, Jack Schlossberg’s parents, Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, supported their son in his media appearance while endorsing his congressional campaign. Caroline lauded Jack’s judgement, highlighting his fresh perspective in a political landscape often dominated by long-established figures. “He’s the outsider in this race, actually,” she remarked, noting her confidence in his ability to connect with a new generation of voters.
As “Love Story” continues to receive attention, the dialogue surrounding it—especially from Schlossberg—invites viewers to consider the implications of dramatising real-life tragedies. This raises questions about the responsibility of creators when handling stories steeped in personal and historical significance.