Daryl Hannah, the iconic actress known for roles in “Blade Runner” and “Splash,” has publicly challenged a depiction of her life in the new Ryan Murphy series, “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.” The drama, centered on the ill-fated romance of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, includes a portrayal of Hannah’s past relationship with the president’s son.
Hannah doesn’t mince words, calling the series’ representation of her “not even remotely accurate.” She vehemently refutes five specific claims made within the show, labeling them unequivocally “false.” Her response isn’t a quiet disagreement; it’s a forceful condemnation of what she sees as a damaging and exploitative narrative.
In a powerful essay published in the New York Times, Hannah accuses the series of “tragedy-exploiting television,” arguing that her character is deliberately diminished to elevate Bessette. She questions the ethics of sacrificing one woman’s reputation to enhance another’s, framing it as a deeply ingrained “textbook misogyny.”
The specific allegations Hannah disputes are stark. She denies ever using cocaine, hosting drug-fueled parties, pressuring anyone into marriage, desecrating family heirlooms, or fabricating stories for the press. She even refutes a claim that she compared Jacqueline Onassis’ death to the loss of a pet, emphasizing these aren’t minor embellishments but fabricated events.
Hannah reveals she’s been subjected to “hostile” and even “threatening” messages since the series aired, a direct consequence of the portrayal. This personal impact underscores the gravity of her concerns and the potential harm caused by fictionalized accounts presented as truth.
The controversy isn’t isolated. Viewers have echoed Hannah’s dismay online, criticizing Murphy’s track record for a perceived lack of respect towards real-life subjects. One user compared the treatment to a previous Murphy biopic, suggesting even a notorious serial killer received a more sympathetic portrayal.
Adding to the criticism, John F. Kennedy Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, has branded the series “grotesque,” dismissing it as pure fiction motivated by profit. He urged the show’s creator to donate proceeds to causes championed by his uncle and grandfather, highlighting the disrespect he feels is shown to their legacies.
This isn’t the first time Murphy’s work has faced scrutiny for its handling of real-life figures. Actress Olivia de Havilland previously sued over her depiction in “Feud,” and his “Dahmer” series drew criticism for its perceived insensitivity towards the victims’ families. Murphy has defended his work, claiming a focus on systemic issues and complicity.
Murphy’s previous series, exploring the lives of the Menendez brothers and Ed Gein, also sparked debate over the boundaries of dramatization and the potential for exploiting tragedy. The pattern raises questions about the creator’s approach to portraying real people and events.
Despite the mounting controversy, “Love Story” has garnered positive reviews from some critics, described as “captivating” and “dazzling.” However, the voices of those directly impacted – like Hannah and Schlossberg – are adding a crucial layer to the conversation, forcing a re-evaluation of the series’ artistic license and ethical considerations.
