Michael Berman, a key figure in the life of John F. Kennedy Jr., co-founded the influential magazine *George* in 1995. The publication was seen as a blend of political discourse and pop culture, an innovative attempt to make politics more appealing to the general public. However, the partnership between Berman and Kennedy ultimately deteriorated, leading to Berman’s departure from the magazine just two years later.
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The foundation of their relationship can be traced back to their time as undergraduates at Brown University, where they became close friends. They both harboured a passion for creating a platform that would merge their interests in politics and media. While JFK Jr. had the initial vision for *George*, it was a collaborative venture where both men were viewed as equal partners in the launch.
The inaugural issue of *George* featured Kennedy as the editor-in-chief, with Berman taking on the role of executive publisher. Their aim was to create an engaging and accessible political magazine, an idea encapsulated in Kennedy’s first letter to readers. Despite the early successes of the magazine, the partnership began to experience significant strain, culminating in Berman’s exit in 1997. The launch of the magazine came with high expectations, but external pressures, including financial difficulties, exacerbated their differences.
Berman’s decision to leave *George* has been described as stemming from a complex mix of factors, including creative disagreements and profitability issues. Tensions became particularly pronounced regarding the influence of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, JFK Jr.’s wife, whom Berman allegedly felt had too much input in editorial decisions. According to historian Steve Gillon, Berman believed that there should only be two partners in the magazine—himself and Kennedy—rather than three. This growing discord was not merely professional; there were even reports of a physical confrontation in the office that resulted in damaged clothing, exemplifying the escalating tensions.
As reflected in the recent series *Love Story*, which dramatizes the relationship between JFK Jr. and his wife, renewed attention is being directed at both Berman and their shared history. The show portrays the complexities of their friendship, but it also takes creative liberties that have been contested by those familiar with the true events. Notably, former assistant RoseMarie Terenzio has stated that the series inaccurately depicts Berman’s character, particularly regarding a suggestion that he would urge JFK Jr. to feature his wedding photographs in the magazine.
Despite Berman describing his exit from *George* as a professional decision rather than a personal rift, the aftermath was less amicable. After Berman left, he indicated that their communications ceased entirely, and he regretted not reconciling the relationship before Kennedy’s tragic demise in a plane crash in 1999. Berman revealed in later interviews that Kennedy had reached out in the years following his resignation, but anger and disappointment kept Berman from responding.
Post- *George*, Berman transitioned to other roles, eventually becoming president of Hachette Productions within Hachette Filipacchi Media. His career trajectory continued with various ventures in media and investment, steering clear of the public eye that once surrounded his collaboration with JFK Jr. Berman’s foray into these new roles demonstrated a desire to pivot away from the past and seek fresh challenges.
Today, Michael Berman resides further out of the spotlight, having developed a career in various media-related and investment firms, including Novix Media and Galaxy Partners. He has been married to noted interior designer Victoria Hagan since 1994, and together they are parents to twin sons, Alex and Harry.
As *Love Story* revitalises interest in the lives of JFK Jr. and those close to him, Michael Berman’s contributions, as well as the complications of his relationship with Kennedy, serve as a reminder of the intricate dynamics that can exist in collaborative ventures, especially when intertwined with personal relationships.