New York Magazine political reporter Olivia Nuzzi has accused her ex-fiance Ryan Lizza of threatening to expose personal details about her in an attempt to ruin her life. Nuzzi filed a court document in Washington, DC alleging that Lizza had made threats to destroy her career and reputation. This accusation came after details of Nuzzi’s relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were made public on September 20, which Nuzzi confirmed in a statement at the time.
During a court hearing, Nuzzi was granted a temporary no-contact order against Lizza, who was absent from the hearing. Lizza denied Nuzzi’s accusations, stating that they were false and meant to divert attention from her own personal and professional failings. Nuzzi was placed on leave from New York Magazine after failing to disclose her relationship with Kennedy Jr., leading to a public apology from the publication as they conduct a third-party review.
Representatives for RFK Jr. denied any inappropriate relationship with Nuzzi, stating that he had only met her once for an interview. Nuzzi and Lizza had been engaged since 2022, but it is unclear when they decided to end their relationship. Lizza announced that he would not be involved in any coverage of Kennedy in Politico due to his connection to the story through Nuzzi.
The situation between Nuzzi and Lizza highlights personal and professional conflicts that have spilled into the public sphere. Nuzzi’s accusations against Lizza raise questions about ethical behavior in personal relationships, especially when both individuals are prominent figures in journalism and politics. The court proceedings and denials from both parties indicate a significant rift in their relationship and potential legal consequences for the allegations made. The involvement of public figures like RFK Jr. adds layers to the scandal and raises broader concerns about privacy and the media’s role in exposing personal information.