New York Magazine Writer Faces Scrutiny After Revealing Relationship with 2024 Campaign Subject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
One of America’s most prominent political journalists, Olivia Nuzzi of New York magazine, has been placed on leave pending a “third-party review” following her disclosure of a personal relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a subject she reported on during the 2024 presidential campaign. This decision comes in light of ethical concerns regarding her reporting integrity and the appearance of a conflict of interest.
The relationship, described as emotional and digital, not physical, has raised significant questions about Nuzzi’s journalistic standards. A source familiar with the situation confirmed to CNN that the personal connection developed while Nuzzi was covering Kennedy’s campaign, culminating in a public endorsement of Donald Trump by Kennedy after he suspended his independent presidential bid.
In a statement to CNN, Nuzzi expressed regret for not disclosing the relationship earlier, admitting, “During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source… I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those I’ve disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.”
New York magazine has publicly acknowledged that Nuzzi’s undisclosed relationship with a reporting subject violated the publication’s policies on conflicts of interest. In an internal note, editor David Haskell confirmed that although a review found no inaccuracies in her reporting, the failure to disclose the relationship constituted a breach of trust with their readership.
The fallout from this situation has led to questions about the ethical responsibilities of journalists, especially in politically charged environments. Nuzzi had previously written extensively about Kennedy and Trump, solidifying her position as a key voice in political reporting.
As the review progresses, Nuzzi’s future at the publication remains uncertain, but the incident has prompted New York magazine to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in journalism.
