A Closer Look at the Controversy Surrounding Ryan Murphy’s Portrayal of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
A closer look at the controversy surrounding Ryan Murphy’s portrayal of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
by Olivia Longabardi ★ MARCH 5th, 2026
Design by: Maisy Wood
When Ryan Murphy released his new show, Love Story, which focused on the story of John F Kennedy Jr., and style icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, it took the world by storm. It was hard to ignore the show and all the praise for the casting and chemistry between Sarah Pigeon and Paul Kelly. Behind the casting, however, discourse about the show and the portrayal of the Kennedy family was and still is rampant on social media.
This is not the first time creator Ryan Murphy has faced criticism for his portrayal of public figures or celebrities. His show Monsters, which told the stories of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez, faced criticism for romanticizing a serial killer and profiting off the trauma the Menendez brothers faced.
Jack Schlossberg, the nephew of Kennedy Jr., came out in disapproval of the show. He explained how he loved to see praise for his uncle, but clarified, “What I don’t think is great is profiting off of it in a grotesque way..”Later, Ryan Murphy expressed confusion on a podcast, countering that it is an “odd choice to be mad about your relative that you really don’t remember.”
Murphy’s response seems to be odd and harsh, especially if he does not know Schlossberg personally. His bold statement is confusing and disrespectful to the family he is portraying. This response contributes to the argument that watching this show and supporting it is exploitative. The depiction of Jackie Kennedy has also been mocked, as Lisa DiPaulo, a former worker of George Kennedy Jr.’s magazine, criticized a scene where Jackie is dancing with a portrait of John F. Kennedy. She wrote, “Of all the zillions of Jackie stories in circulation for 70 years, some of them true, this is what you pull out of your ass?”
While the controversy is strong, there is still massive support. Fans cite the show for bringing back their historical hyperfixations, as well as the cinematography. Some even simply find the love story entertaining and, as fans call it, buzzy. Even though the show is enjoyable, the critiques are valid. Should we be watching something about two people who cannot comment on how they are depicted? Or is it okay because the show is known to be fictionalized?
Both sides of the discourse have valid points. Yes, it is bad to depict someone who cannot approve of their portrayal, especially if family members have shared criticism. Yes, it is also true that the show claims to be partially fictionalized. Overall, if you want to watch the show, it is best to watch it with discernment. In the end, no one truly knows the love story of JFK Jr. and Carolyn better than themselves. The truth likely lies in the middle. So while you watch the glorification of old money aesthetics and 90’s fashion, remember to be careful of what you view as true.
Edited by: Bree Lauder-Williams