Olivia Nuzzi’s forthcoming memoir “American Canto” is set to disclose intimate text exchanges with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which could severely impact his marriage to actress Cheryl Hines and his position as Secretary of Health and Human Services, according to an exclusive report. The revelations are expected to spark widespread attention due to their potential personal and political ramifications.
The book, titled “American Canto” in a reference to Dante’s “Inferno,” will delve into Nuzzi’s “digital affair” with RFK Jr. while he was a presidential candidate, including sexually charged messages that have raised concerns about the stability of his marriage. Sources close to the publication suggest that the revelations might incinerate his relationship with Hines, whom he married in 2014. The memoir is scheduled for release on December 2, 2025, by Simon & Schuster, but has been kept under tight wraps to prevent leaks. Its contents are described as more than just a juicy tell-all, aiming to be a literary work with historical merit.
Beyond the RFK Jr. scandal, “American Canto” will also cover Nuzzi’s previous engagement to political journalist Ryan Lizza, which ended amid the sexting controversy and led to legal disputes. This section provides a personal account of how the affair affected her personal life and professional relationships. Nuzzi, who recently joined Vanity Fair as West Coast editor, has not publicly discussed the relationship until now. The book draws from her decade covering Donald Trump, including insights from hours of taped conversations with the former president, adding depth to its narrative.
The relationship between Nuzzi and RFK Jr. began after she profiled him for New York Magazine in November 2023, during which they engaged in what sources describe as “incredible” sex over FaceTime and exchanged “demure” nudes. RFK Jr. has denied any physical encounter, claiming they met only once for the profile, but Nuzzi’s account in the memoir challenges this narrative. The controversy led to her departure from New York Magazine in October 2024 after an external investigation found no bias in her reporting, though she apologized for not disclosing the relationship sooner to avoid the appearance of conflict.
Simon & Schuster has taken extraordinary measures to secure the book, including using a separate server and avoiding early galleys to maintain secrecy. An Amazon listing for the book exists under the title “To Be Announced AC” with no author image, set for December 2 release. The rollout is managed by crisis PR expert Risa Heller, who has worked with figures like Anthony Weiner and Jared Kushner, indicating the high-stakes nature of the publication. Concerns have been raised about Nuzzi’s safety and the potential for legal injunctions or attempts by political entities to block the release.
The timing of the book’s announcement was carefully planned to avoid overlap with Cheryl Hines’ own memoir, “Unscripted,” due in November, highlighting the sensitive nature of the content. The revelations could have significant repercussions for RFK Jr.’s career and personal life, as he currently serves in a high-profile government role. The book’s release is expected to reignite discussions about ethics in journalism and the boundaries of personal relationships in political reporting, with implications for how such scandals are handled in the public eye.
As the publication date approaches, all eyes will be on how the Kennedy family, political circles, and the media respond to the disclosures. The memoir not only promises to expose private interactions but also to reflect on broader themes of power, privacy, and the intersection of personal and professional lives in modern politics. Its impact could extend beyond immediate headlines, influencing public perception and potentially triggering further investigations or responses from involved parties.