Top Journalist Suspended Over Controversial Ties to High-Profile Figure

New York Magazine suspends star reporter Olivia Nuzzi over undisclosed relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raising questions about journalistic integrity and conflicts of interest.

At a Glance

Olivia Nuzzi placed on leave by New York Magazine due to an undisclosed relationship with RFK Jr.
Relationship began after Nuzzi profiled Kennedy in November 2023
Magazine conducting third-party review, but no inaccuracies found in Nuzzi’s work so far
Nuzzi admits relationship was not physical, regrets not disclosing it earlier

New York Magazine Takes Action

New York Magazine has placed its Washington correspondent, Olivia Nuzzi, on leave following revelations of her undisclosed relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former subject of her reporting and a figure in the 2024 presidential campaign. The magazine’s decision comes after an internal investigation uncovered what they deemed a violation of their standards on conflicts of interest and disclosures.

In a statement, a spokesperson for New York Magazine said, “Recently, our Washington Correspondent Olivia Nuzzi acknowledged to the magazine’s editors that she had engaged in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign while she was reporting on the campaign, a violation of the magazine’s standards around conflicts of interest and disclosures.”

Nuzzi’s Response and Clarifications

Nuzzi, known for her political features and coverage of the 2024 presidential race, has admitted to the relationship but emphasized its non-physical nature. She stated, “During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source. The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict.”

“Earlier this year, the nature of some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal. During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source.” – Olivia Nuzzi

The reporter expressed regret for not disclosing the relationship sooner, which reportedly began after her profile feature on Kennedy in November 2023. This admission has sparked a broader conversation about journalistic ethics and the importance of transparency in political reporting.

Ongoing Investigation and Implications

New York Magazine is conducting a thorough third-party review of Nuzzi’s work, although initial internal reviews have not found any inaccuracies or biases in her reporting. The magazine stated, “She is currently on leave from the magazine, and the magazine is conducting a more thorough third-party review.”

This situation has raised eyebrows in the journalism community, particularly given Nuzzi’s past criticisms of Hollywood’s portrayal of female journalists. In a tweet that has resurfaced amid the controversy, Nuzzi once asked, “Why does Hollywood think female reporters sleep with their sources?”

Kennedy Campaign’s Response

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign has denied any romantic involvement between Kennedy and Nuzzi. A spokesperson for Kennedy stated, “Mr. Kennedy met Olivia Nuzzi only once for an interview she requested, which resulted in a critical article.” This statement contradicts the implications of a personal relationship, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance journalists must maintain between professional relationships and personal interactions, especially when covering high-profile political figures. The outcome of the third-party review and any potential long-term impact on Nuzzi’s career remain to be seen.