New York magazine reporter lost her job after having an affair with Kennedy Jr._1

After a month-long vacation, Olivia Nuzzi, the Washington correspondent for New York Magazine, has agreed to part ways with the publication. This decision comes after she admitted to having a “personal relationship” with her interview subject, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In September, Nuzzi’s unusual relationship with Kennedy, who was then running for president, raised questions about the integrity of her reporting. In response, the magazine reviewed all of her election-related articles but found nothing improper or biased. A law firm, Davis Wright Tremaine, was subsequently brought in for a deeper investigation, which reached the same conclusion.

Despite the findings, both Nuzzi and the magazine felt it was best to separate. New York Magazine praised her as a uniquely talented writer and expressed pride in the work she produced during her eight years as a correspondent. They wished her all the best in her future endeavors.

Nuzzi’s attorney, Ari Wilkenfeld, commented that both investigations affirmed the integrity of her reporting. He stated that she felt satisfied but unsurprised, insisting that she has “not done anything wrong.” He noted that her reporting over nearly eight years garnered significant acclaim and resonated with readers, and she expressed heartfelt gratitude toward her colleagues and audience as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.

At just 31 years old, Nuzzi has been one of the busiest political reporters during the Trump administration, known for her broad network of sources and sharp, impactful reporting that has sparked reactions from both the left and right. One notable piece published on July 4 described a “weak and rambling” President Biden, likening him to a “drowsy driver still holding onto the steering wheel.” This portrayal drew fierce criticism from Biden supporters, yet weeks later, Biden announced his decision not to run for re-election.

Following the tumultuous events in September, Nuzzi acknowledged having a “personal” but not “physical” relationship with Kennedy. A spokesperson for Kennedy stated that the two had only met once during her interview with him. New York Magazine subsequently published a letter of apology to its readers, expressing concern over a perceived conflict of interest and acknowledging that it “went against the trust of our readers.”

The situation also involves Nuzzi’s former fiancé, Ryan Lizza, a Politico Washington correspondent. On October 1, Nuzzi obtained a protective order against Lizza, prohibiting him from coming near her.