Jack Schlossberg Critiques Ryan Murphy's "Love Story" Portrayal of JFK Jr.

Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy Jr., has publicly criticized Ryan Murphy's FX series "Love Story," which dramatizes the relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. During an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Schlossberg stated, “If you want to know someone who’s never met anyone in my family, knows nothing about us, talk to Ryan Murphy,” emphasizing that the series is a “grotesque display” of his family's life. He characterized the show as “fiction” with a “capital F,” arguing that it misrepresents the couple's legacy and exploits their story for profit.

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Schlossberg expressed concern that the portrayal of his family comes at a time when their legacy is being misrepresented in the media, particularly in light of political events involving figures like Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He criticized Trump for using JFK's image inappropriately, stating, “There’s a lot of misinformation now and iconography being used about the Kennedy family... at a time when we really can’t afford to confuse people.” Schlossberg urged Murphy to donate profits from the series to causes championed by his uncle, reflecting a desire to preserve JFK's memory.

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Ryan Murphy responded to Schlossberg's criticisms during a podcast with California Governor Gavin Newsom, expressing surprise at the backlash. He remarked, “I thought it was an odd choice to be mad about your relative that you really don’t remember.” Murphy defended the series, stating that it was created with sincerity and respect for the couple's lives. He encouraged viewers to watch the show before forming an opinion, suggesting that it captures the essence of JFK Jr. and Bessette's relationship.

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Brad Simpson, the executive producer of "Love Story," acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the portrayal of real individuals, stating that the team approached the project with love and kindness. He noted, “I can understand why somebody could have a reaction before they see it, but I would say, ‘Watch the show,’ because I think they’re going to be surprised at how sincere it is.” Sarah Pidgeon, who plays Bessette, added that the production team aimed to honor the couple's legacy while recognizing the impact of their story on their family.

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Despite the show's intentions, Schlossberg criticized the lack of consultation with the Kennedy family during production. Murphy and his team acknowledged that they did not reach out to family members, opting instead for a research-based approach to create a more dimensional narrative. Nina Jacobson, an executive producer, explained that engaging with public figures can complicate the storytelling process, as it may lead to conflicting portrayals.

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• “If you want to know someone who’s never met anyone in my family, knows nothing about us, talk to Ryan Murphy,” — Jack Schlossberg, Grandson of JFK Jr.

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• “There’s a lot of misinformation now and iconography being used about the Kennedy family—my family—at a time when we really can’t afford to confuse people,” — Jack Schlossberg

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• “I thought it was an odd choice to be mad about your relative that you really don’t remember,” — Ryan Murphy, Creator of "Love Story."

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• “I can understand why somebody could have a reaction before they see it, but I would say, ‘Watch the show,’ because I think they’re going to be surprised at how sincere it is.” — Brad Simpson, Executive Producer of "Love Story."

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The ongoing dialogue between Schlossberg and Murphy highlights the complexities of representing historical figures in modern media, particularly when family legacies are at stake.

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