Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, has unleashed a blistering critique of a new series dramatizing the life and love story of his uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., and Carolyn Bessette. The series, created by Ryan Murphy, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, directly challenging the family’s narrative and prompting a fierce defense of their legacy.
The nine-episode adaptation, “Love Story,” explores the intensely private romance between JFK Jr. and Bessette, a couple often described as American royalty. Their tragic deaths in a 1999 plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard cemented their place in history, but Schlossberg argues the series fundamentally misunderstands the people at its heart.
Appearing on CBS Sunday Morning, Schlossberg didn’t mince words. He stated bluntly that Ryan Murphy “knows nothing” about his family, characterizing the show as a “grotesque display” profiting from their personal lives. He implored viewers to approach the series with a critical eye, labeling it pure “fiction.”
Schlossberg’s frustration extends beyond mere inaccuracy. He challenged Murphy to redirect a portion of the show’s substantial profits towards causes championed by his uncle and to actively support preserving President Kennedy’s memory. He even suggested a more impactful use of Murphy’s platform: working to defeat Donald Trump.
This isn’t a sudden outburst. Schlossberg previously voiced his displeasure on social media last summer, confirming the Kennedy family had no involvement in, or consultation regarding, the project. Executive producers defended this decision, citing a desire to present “multiplicities of view,” a justification Schlossberg clearly rejects.
Murphy initially responded to Schlossberg’s criticism with a dismissive remark about not remembering his uncle, a comment Schlossberg later countered by sharing cherished memories. Despite the producer’s claims of sincerity and celebration, the family remains unconvinced.
Sarah Pidgeon, who portrays Carolyn Bessette in the series, acknowledged Schlossberg’s right to express his feelings, hoping the show’s “integrity and respect” would ultimately resonate. However, the core issue remains: the family feels their story is being exploited without their consent or accurate representation.
This isn’t the first time Murphy’s work has faced backlash from those directly impacted by the stories he tells. His previous series, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” drew heavy criticism from the families of Dahmer’s victims, who felt their pain was being sensationalized.
Murphy has consistently defended his approach, arguing his work explores the systemic issues and complicity surrounding his subjects, rather than glorifying their actions. Yet, for the Kennedy family, the current series feels like a profound and unwelcome intrusion into their deeply personal history.
The debate surrounding “Love Story” highlights a complex tension between artistic license and the responsibility to honor the lives and legacies of real people, particularly when those lives have been marked by tragedy and public scrutiny.
