Olivia Nuzzi’s upcoming memoir “American Canto” is poised to disclose sexually charged text exchanges with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., potentially destabilizing his marriage to actress Cheryl Hines and his position as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, according to recent insider reports.
The book, scheduled for a December 2 release, is under unprecedented security by publisher Simon & Schuster, with no advance review copies and the manuscript stored on a separate server to prevent leaks. Sources reveal that “American Canto” not only details Nuzzi’s alleged textual relationship with Kennedy but also spans her decade on the Trump beat and personal crises, including the fallout from her engagement to journalist Ryan Lizza.
Nuzzi’s connection to Kennedy began in late 2023 when she profiled him for New York Magazine, leading to a close, though she insists non-physical, relationship. The inclusion of explicit messages could reignite a scandal that first emerged last year, with insiders suggesting it might be difficult for Kennedy to maintain his marriage and governmental role intact.
Kennedy’s team has vehemently denied any affair, asserting he met Nuzzi only once for the interview, which they characterize as a “hit piece.” Nuzzi has publicly stated that the relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to avoid the appearance of a conflict, expressing regret and apologizing to her colleagues at New York Magazine.
The memoir’s revelations are expected to exacerbate tensions in Kennedy’s marriage, with reports indicating that Cheryl Hines is facing social isolation in Hollywood. Hines, who is releasing her own book, “Unscripted,” in November, has been shunned by some peers, including potential exclusion from projects involving “Curb Your Enthusiasm” co-star Larry David, due to her association with Kennedy.
Beyond personal ramifications, the disclosures could threaten Kennedy’s credibility in his new role as Health and Human Services Secretary, a position that requires public trust. The timing of the memoir’s release, carefully orchestrated to not clash with Hines’ book, highlights the strategic handling of the potential fallout by crisis PR expert Risa Heller.
Nuzzi’s departure from New York Magazine in 2024 and her subsequent work on the memoir reflect broader issues in political journalism, where boundaries between professional and personal relationships can blur. “American Canto” promises to offer a raw account of these dynamics, shedding light on the intersections of media, politics, and intimacy.
As the release date approaches, the anticipation underscores ongoing debates about transparency and ethics in high-profile circles. The outcome could influence public perception of the individuals involved and set precedents for how such personal disclosures are handled in the future.