Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, has expressed his discontent with the portrayal of his parents in the FX series “Love Story,” created by Ryan Murphy. In a recent interview with Katie Couric, Schlossberg described the dramatized depiction of his family as “a stupid show” and dismissed concerns over the accuracy of the portrayals of his father, Ed Schlossberg, and his mother, Caroline Kennedy.
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The show focuses on the life and relationship of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, but it has attracted criticism for its representation of key figures within the Kennedy family. Schlossberg, who is currently campaigning in the Democratic primary for a congressional seat in Manhattan, indicated that he finds the series entertaining yet fundamentally fictional. “It might be entertaining, but it’s fiction,” he stated, highlighting the distinction between drama and reality.
One notable criticism from Schlossberg pertains to the style choices made for his father’s character, portrayed by actor Ben Shenkman. “They had my dad dressed up in some plaid outfit. My dad’s the most stylish guy I’ve ever met,” he remarked, pointing out the apparent inconsistency with his father’s actual image. He also shared a lighter moment from his viewing experience with his mother, reflecting that they both found the dramatization of Caroline, played by Grace Gummer, quite amusing.
When Couric suggested that the show had not painted his parents in a very flattering light, Schlossberg remained unfazed. He spoke warmly of Caroline and Ed, labelling them “the two nicest, most dignified, private people in the whole world who do nothing but help others.” His nonchalant attitude seemingly underscores a broader acceptance of the creative liberties taken in the show.
Schlossberg, who has consistently spoken out against “Love Story” since its inception, previously labelled the series a “grotesque display of someone else’s life.” He is particularly critical of Murphy, the show’s creator, and has suggested that the revenue generated by the series could be put to better use. During an interview with CBS News earlier this year, Schlossberg stated, “If you want to know someone who’s never met anyone in my family, knows nothing about us, talk to Ryan Murphy.”
Despite his criticisms, Schlossberg acknowledged the mixed impact that the show may have on his electoral campaign. He expressed difficulty in finding a way to view the series as beneficial, saying, “I struggle to find a universe where someone taking advantage of my family is helping me.” Nonetheless, it is clear that the show’s presence has put the Kennedy name back in the public eye during a pivotal time for Schlossberg.
The younger Schlossberg’s remarks reflect a broader tension between celebrity culture and the personal lives of individuals within prominent families. While the show aims to entertain, it also raises questions about the responsibilities creators have when depicting real lives and legacies. “I would hope that Mr. Murphy would donate some of the millions of dollars of profits that he’s making to maybe some of the causes that John championed throughout his life,” Schlossberg added, pointing out the potential ethical considerations for those profiting from his family’s history.
As the series continues to draw attention, Schlossberg’s critique highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved when a creative work intersects with historical narratives. His responses remind viewers that while stories of public figures may captivate audiences, they can also have real-life implications for the families involved. As for “Love Story,” the ongoing discourse it has generated may keep the Kennedys in the spotlight, but the familial legacy remains in the hands of those who lived it.