New York Magazine has announced that it has placed reporter Olivia Nuzzi on leave following her admission of a personal relationship with a former subject related to the 2024 presidential campaign. Reports from CNN indicate that the subject in question is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently withdrew from the race.
On Thursday, September 19, a spokesperson for New York Magazine released a statement detailing that Nuzzi, who serves as a Washington correspondent, informed the magazine’s editors about the relationship. This disclosure raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and adherence to the publication’s ethical standards.
“Had the magazine been aware of this relationship, she would not have continued to cover the presidential campaign,” the spokesperson said.
In her statement to PEOPLE, Nuzzi clarified the nature of the relationship, explaining that “the nature of some communication” between herself and the former reporting subject had become personal. However, she emphasized that she did not directly report on Kennedy or utilize him as a source during the time of their interaction.
“The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict,” Nuzzi stated. “I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those I’ve disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.”
While Nuzzi did not specify the identity of the individual involved, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to CNN that the subject was indeed Kennedy. At 70, Kennedy has made headlines recently, particularly after announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race in August and subsequently endorsing former President Donald Trump.
PEOPLE reached out to Kennedy for a comment, but he did not respond to calls or messages. The publication also attempted to contact his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, for her perspective but has not received a reply.
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A representative for Kennedy told the Washington Post that the politician had only met Nuzzi once during an interview for a story she wrote in November 2023, titled “The Mind-Bending Politics of RFK Jr.’s Spoiler Campaign.” The representative characterized Nuzzi’s reporting as a “hit piece,” emphasizing that the two had limited interaction.
Despite the controversy, Nuzzi has remained active in covering the 2024 campaign, contributing several articles and pieces on various candidates, including Kennedy. In a June article, she argued that Kennedy should have been allowed to debate Trump and President Joe Biden. Earlier, in March, she wrote an opinion piece criticizing the media’s treatment of Kennedy, further demonstrating her ongoing engagement with the political landscape.
Nuzzi has also made a cameo appearance as herself in the television series “Billions” and serves as the host of Bloomberg’s “Working Capital with Olivia Nuzzi.”
New York Magazine indicated that Nuzzi is currently on leave, but an internal review of her work revealed “no inaccuracies nor evidence of bias.” The publication has committed to conducting a more thorough third-party review of the situation to ensure transparency and accountability.
In their statement, New York Magazine expressed regret for the incident, saying, “We regret this violation of our readers’ trust.” The magazine acknowledged the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and emphasized its commitment to upholding high standards in reporting.
As this story continues to develop, it raises critical questions about the relationships between journalists and their subjects, particularly in a highly charged political environment. The situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that journalists must maintain in their professional and personal lives, especially when covering influential figures and pivotal moments in history.
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The scrutiny of Nuzzi’s actions may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions on ethics in journalism and the challenges reporters face in maintaining objectivity while engaging with their subjects.
