New York Magazine's Olivia Nuzzi on leave following sexting scandal with RFK Jr.

Revelations of digital misconduct shake NY Mag as Nuzzi steps down following an alleged secretive affair with RFK Jr.


Pop Culture & Art September 21, 2024
Courtesy: Reuters

New York Magazine's Olivia Nuzzi is currently on leave after allegations emerged of a digital affair involving "demure" nude photos sent to former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

According to reports from Puck News, the 31-year-old Washington correspondent engaged in a "sexting" relationship with the 70-year-old political figure, which allegedly included risqué images, despite both parties maintaining that their interactions were never physical.

The controversy began to unravel late Thursday when it was revealed that the relationship was purely digital, sparking intense scrutiny over journalistic integrity. 

Kennedy's spokesperson has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as "unreservedly and unconditionally false," and reaffirmed that Kennedy and Nuzzi only met once in person. 

Nuzzi herself has stated, “The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict. I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those I’ve disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.”

David Haskell, the magazine's editor-in-chief, informed the staff that Nuzzi had disclosed the relationship, which spanned from last December to this August, following her November profile on Kennedy. 

This revelation led to Nuzzi's leave of absence as the magazine expressed regret for the violation of readers' trust. 

They plan to add explanatory notes to the online versions of Nuzzi’s recent significant stories, including her features on Donald Trump and Joe Biden, to clarify the situation to readers.

The unfolding scandal also has a personal dimension; Nuzzi recently ended her engagement to fellow political reporter Ryan Lizza. 

Meanwhile, Kennedy, who has been married to actress Cheryl Hines for over a decade, finds himself at the center of a media storm that questions the boundaries between personal conduct and professional responsibilities.

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