JFK Jr.

Carole Radziwill, known for her time on “The Real Housewives of New York City,” has publicly defended Jack Schlossberg, the nephew of the late John F. Kennedy Jr., amid a heated exchange with renowned showrunner Ryan Murphy. This controversy arises from Murphy’s upcoming series, “American Love Story,” which dramatizes the romance and tragic deaths of JFK Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, in a 1999 plane crash. The tension escalated when Schlossberg voiced his objections to Murphy’s portrayal of his uncle, claiming that it was inappropriate for someone who did not personally know JFK Jr. to create a dramatization of his life. During a recent appearance on the “This Is Gavin Newsom” podcast, Murphy remarked that it was an “odd choice” for Schlossberg to object to a story about a relative he likely does not remember, which prompted Radziwill’s response. Radziwill, who was married to JFK Jr.’s cousin Anthony Radziwill, took to Threads to share her thoughts on Murphy’s comments. She expressed her disapproval, stating, “I knew John well. What an awful thing to say to Jack. John and my late husband Anthony were Jack’s godfathers, a role they delighted in. Your comments are unkind & hurtful @ryanmurphyproductions.” Her defense highlights the personal connections and shared history between the families, emphasizing the emotional weight of the situation. The implications of this feud are significant, especially considering Radziwill’s own experiences with loss. She has been candid about the trauma she faced following the deaths of JFK Jr. and Carolyn, which occurred just one month before her husband Anthony succumbed to cancer in August 1999. Her time on “RHONY” included poignant moments reflecting on these tragedies, such as a moving episode where she traveled to London to retrieve Anthony’s ashes. The conflict between Schlossberg and Murphy began when Schlossberg accused the six-time Emmy winner of profiting “grotesquely” from his uncle’s legacy through “American Love Story.” In a June Instagram post, Schlossberg wrote, “Lately, my news feed has been filled with pictures of my uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., a great man. For those wondering whether his family was ever consulted, or has anything to do with the new shows being made about him, the answer is no. And there’s really not much we can do.” He lamented the lack of control over how his uncle’s image is used, noting that in New York, the ability to manage one’s name and likeness does not extend beyond death. Murphy’s comments regarding Schlossberg’s memories of JFK Jr. prompted a strong rebuttal from Schlossberg. He reminded the creator of “American Horror Story” that his memories are vivid and include cherished moments, such as being called “Jackolatern” and “the nudist,” as well as being the ring bearer at JFK Jr.’s wedding. Schlossberg emphasized that while Murphy may be profiting from his uncle’s story, he is not contributing to the causes that JFK Jr. championed or honoring his legacy of public service. The casting choices for “American Love Story” have also drawn criticism, particularly regarding the actors selected to portray JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Sarah Pidgeon, who plays Bessette-Kennedy, expressed her desire to honor Carolyn’s memory in her performance, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with portraying such a beloved figure. Ryan Murphy’s history of feuds with the real-life subjects of his projects is well-documented. Previous controversies have arisen from his dramatizations in “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” and “The Assassination of Gianni Versace.” As the dust settles on this latest conflict, fans are left to wonder how it will impact the reception of “American Love Story,” which currently has no announced premiere date on FX. In the midst of this drama, Jack Schlossberg continues to gain attention beyond his family legacy. As the youngest son of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, he has recently made headlines for various reasons, including a viral moment involving a coconut. His growing presence on social media reflects a new generation’s engagement with the Kennedy legacy, navigating the complexities of fame and family history in the modern age. As the conversation around “American Love Story” evolves, it remains to be seen how the creative choices will resonate with audiences, especially those connected to the Kennedy family. The ongoing dialogue between Schlossberg, Radziwill, and Murphy underscores the delicate balance between artistic expression and the personal histories that inform it.