Political journalist Ryan Lizza has accused his ex-fianceé, Olivia Nuzzi, of engaging in a year-long affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that led to their breakup, according to court documents in an ongoing dispute between Lizza and Nuzzi. Lizza alleged that Kennedy manipulated Nuzzi, expressing desires to possess, control, and impregnate her. This messy breakup between two high-profile Washington journalists has raised questions about their ethics and coverage of the presidential election. Both journalists are currently being investigated by their employers and are on leave.
In filings to the court, Lizza refuted accusations made by Nuzzi, denying threats, hacking, and stalking. He also did not disclose Nuzzi’s relationship with Kennedy to her editors at New York magazine. A protective order against Lizza was previously secured by Nuzzi, but a recent court hearing did not delve into the accusations. A more substantial hearing is scheduled for mid-November. Lizza’s attorney declined to comment further on the dispute, while an unnamed counsel for Nuzzi accused Lizza of attempting to harass and humiliate her.
Nuzzi previously secured an order to bar Lizza from contacting her and to return her possessions from their shared home. Lizza claimed Nuzzi’s version of events was defamatory, stating he ended their engagement upon discovering her affair with a married man. He confronted Nuzzi about this relationship in August, after which she pleaded to reconcile. Lizza advised her to remove any reporting material she had received from Kennedy for an article in New York magazine.
Lizza also suggested that Nuzzi repay a publisher’s advance payment for a joint book project following the collapse of their relationship. He mentioned a previous affair by Nuzzi in 2020 that had also impacted their book project. The court dispute between Lizza and Nuzzi continues unresolved, with a more detailed hearing scheduled for the future. Both journalists are facing scrutiny from their employers and are on leave pending investigations. The situation has caused significant fallout in both their personal and professional lives.
The ongoing turmoil between Lizza and Nuzzi highlights the complexities of relationships in the world of journalism. Allegations of manipulation, deceit, and unethical behavior have tarnished the reputations of these two prominent figures in the field. The fallout from this affair has led to legal battles, protective orders, and a reevaluation of their work and ethics. These court filings have shed light on a tumultuous period in the lives of these journalists, raising questions about accountability and professionalism in the media industry.
As the court proceedings continue, more details about the nature of the affair and its repercussions may emerge. Both Lizza and Nuzzi are facing public scrutiny and professional consequences as a result of their personal entanglements. The involvement of a well-known political figure like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. adds another layer of complexity to this already convoluted situation. The fallout from this affair will likely have long-lasting effects on the careers and reputations of all involved parties. The outcome of the court dispute and the ongoing investigations by their employers will determine the future trajectory of these journalists in the cutthroat world of political journalism.
