Olivia Nuzzi and Ryan Lizza, both prominent figures in political journalism, recently called off their engagement. Lizza confirmed this news, addressing rumors of Nuzzi’s alleged relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a statement published by Politico. Due to his connection to the story through his ex-fiancée, Lizza agreed not to be involved in any coverage of Kennedy at Politico. The couple became engaged in Italy in September 2022, with photos of them together dating back to January 2018.
The duration of Nuzzi and Lizza’s relationship was not confirmed, but they were seen together on social media shortly after Lizza’s ousting from the New Yorker due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Nuzzi, age 31, was placed on leave after admitting to having a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign, violating the magazine’s standards around conflicts of interest and disclosures. It was later revealed that the subject in question was RFK Jr., with sources suggesting that the two were engaged in sexting around the new year.
Nuzzi did not explicitly state Kennedy’s name in her own statement, but she acknowledged the nature of some communications between herself and a former reporting subject turning personal earlier in the year. She clarified that the relationship was never physical. Kennedy’s spokesperson denied the rumors, asserting that Kennedy had only met Nuzzi once in his life when she had profiled him for New York magazine the previous fall.
The scandal involving Nuzzi’s alleged relationship with Kennedy has caused a stir in the political journalism world. Nuzzi’s confession of engaging in a personal relationship with a former subject while reporting on the campaign led to her being placed on leave from New York magazine. Lizza’s decision to refrain from covering Kennedy at Politico due to his connection with Nuzzi has raised questions about journalistic ethics and conflicts of interest in the field.
The situation has shed light on the complexities of personal relationships within the realm of political journalism. Nuzzi and Lizza’s engagement, subsequent breakup, and the scandal involving allegations of a relationship with a high-profile political figure have captured the attention of many within the industry. The fallout from these events may have long-lasting implications for both Nuzzi and Lizza’s careers and reputations.
As the story continues to unfold, questions remain about the impact of personal relationships on journalists’ professionalism and ethical standards. The decisions made by Nuzzi, Lizza, and their respective publications in response to the scandal will likely be closely scrutinized by their peers in the field. Ultimately, the fallout from this situation serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities journalists face when navigating personal relationships and conflicts of interest while reporting on political figures and events.
