The latest episode of Hulu’s series ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’, which aired on 12 March, immerses its audience once again in the iconic romance of JFK Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette. In this episode, titled “The Obsession”, viewers witness Carolyn adjusting to life post-wedding, grappling with her new identity as “Mrs. Kennedy” and the relentless media scrutiny that accompanies it.
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One of the standout moments in the episode occurs when Carolyn stumbles upon a column called “Spoiled in the City.” This fictional piece captures a character referred to as “CKB”, which many believe is a thinly veiled representation of Bessette herself. Carolyn’s sister, Lauren, suggests that the column’s writer may have taken precautions to avoid legal repercussions by using an ambiguous name. Carolyn’s frustration is palpable as she queries, “None of the other publications are worried about smearing my reputation, so why should she?”
The question of whether the “Spoiled in the City” column actually existed in real life has attracted considerable attention. Indeed, it appears that it did have roots in reality. The seed for the column can be found in a satire series called “Diary of a Bitch,” penned by author Candace Bushnell and first published in Manhattan File magazine in November 1998. According to Elizabeth Beller’s upcoming book, *Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy*, the ‘Spoiled in the City’ subtitle provided a pointed and unflattering commentary on a character that served as an echo of Bessette’s own experiences.
Beller’s account describes a central figure who, after marrying an exceptionally eligible bachelor, finds herself entangled in chaos. “CKB” is portrayed as being beset by an “unreformed husband” and besieged by a “paparazzi conspiracy”, amplifying the pressures of her high-profile marriage. The tone is far from sympathetic, likening the character to a Disney villain, with sensational portrayals of attention-seeking behaviour and faux pregnancies.
The dramatic portrayal of Bessette in Bushnell’s writings appears to have had a significant impact on her psyche. Beller notes that following the release of the column, Bessette reportedly felt “pummeled” and progressively withdrew from public life. This shift marked a transition from a woman navigating the social scene of New York City to one who rarely left her home, reflecting the pressures that come with such intense public scrutiny.
The “Diary of a Bitch” column seems to have faded into obscurity after its initial publication. However, Bushnell’s earlier work, “Sex and the City,” which began as an anthology of her own dating experiences in New York, has left an indelible mark on popular culture. This earlier column was adapted into the renowned HBO series of the same name, which has spawned a franchise of its own and continues to resonate with audiences today.
As ‘Love Story’ continues to bring the past to the forefront, it simultaneously revives interest in the real-life figures it portrays. This exploration of Carolyn Bessette’s life and her tumultuous marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. not only sheds light on their personal struggles but also invites viewers to reflect on the nature of celebrity and media representation.
For those intrigued by the true stories behind these high-profile figures, more insights can be found in PEOPLE’s special edition dedicated to John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, currently available across newsstands and online.
The intertwined fates of love and public life are poignantly illustrated in ‘Love Story’, reminding us of the persistent pressures faced by those thrust into the limelight, as well as the real human emotions that lie beneath the glossy surface of celebrity. As viewers continue to follow Carolyn and John’s journey, they are compelled to consider the costs of fame and the resilience required to navigate its complexities.