Kennedy Legacy Under Fire: Jack Schlossberg Bashes Ryan Murphy Romance
So here’s the vibe: Jack Schlossberg just served a reality check on Hollywood’s latest obsession. The grandson of JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis didn’t hold back when he addressed Ryan Murphy’s forthcoming series American Love Story, which dramatizes the love affair between his uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. In an Instagram Stories update on June 19, Schlossberg made it crystal clear that neither he nor his family had any input on the project—and they aren’t thrilled about it.
According to Schlossberg’s post, the family’s lack of involvement isn’t by choice but by legal default. New York law doesn’t protect a person’s right to privacy after death, and JFK Jr. is considered a public figure. As a politics writer himself, the 32-year-old understands the nuances, but that didn’t stop him from calling profiting off his uncle’s memory “grotesque.” This blunt criticism comes as the Ryan Murphy–produced show gears up to start filming in New York City, with a premiere set for February 2026.
While Schlossberg hasn’t detailed how the Kennedys might be portrayed on screen, his central gripe is clear: turning a beloved public figure’s tragic romance and untimely end into entertainment without family sign-off crosses a line. He emphasized admiration for JFK Jr. is fine—vastly different from packaging his story for financial gain. Sources including E! News and Variety confirm Murphy has stayed largely silent on the family’s objections, though he did respond to fan pushback over period costumes in a recent Variety interview.
Ryan Murphy defended his creative choices, calling criticism over a single coat choice “inflammatory” and pointing out that stylists sometimes take liberties for visual effect. He even likened Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s enduring influence to a personal religion. Yet Murphy’s comments haven’t soothed concerns that dramatizing the couple’s life might feel exploitative, especially to those who treasure the real historical legacy.
To put it all into context, the Kennedy saga is one of America’s most storied families. From Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald’s early 20th-century union, through the public service of Joseph Jr., John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and beyond, every chapter has been scrutinized. JFK Jr.’s death in a 1999 plane crash alongside Carolyn remains etched in the national consciousness—a poignant reminder of the weight of public fascination.
At its core, this clash highlights a broader debate: who owns the narrative of iconic lives when legal rights end at death? With American Love Story promising to shine a spotlight on one of the most celebrated romances of the 1990s, Jack Schlossberg’s remarks have already set the tone. As production continues, viewers and critics alike will be watching to see if Murphy’s series pays tribute or simply cashes in. Anyway, that’s the tea. Judge for yourself.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
