4 key points from Olivia Nuzzi's memoir

Olivia Nuzzis memoir, American Canto, largely avoids naming key figures directly, a tactic that seems intended to disrupt the typical Washington read, where audiences flip to an index seeking notable personalities. Despite this, many readers will likely focus on passages detailing the scandal that temporarily derailed Nuzzis journalism career.

While serving as Washington correspondent for New York Magazine last year, it emerged that Nuzzi had a romantic relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign. Kennedys representatives initially claimed the two had met only once, during the preparation of a profile Nuzzi published in November 2023. Following these revelations, Nuzzi left both the magazine and her engagement to political reporter Ryan Lizza, with whom she had planned a book on the 2020 election.

The release of American Canto by Avid Reader Press (Simon & Schuster) on Tuesday was preceded by a series of high-profile reports and social media commentary, including excerpts in Vanity Fair, a New York Times profile, and Lizzas Substack posts accusing Nuzzi of additional affairs.

Throughout the memoir, Nuzzi refers to Kennedy as the Politician. The precise nature of their relationship remains somewhat ambiguous, although she details exchanged poetry, shared interests, and personal conversations. Kennedy reportedly expressed a desire for Nuzzi to have his child and offered assurances that their bond required trust above all else.

Nuzzi emphasizes that Kennedy was a subject of her journalism but not a source for her reporting. She recalls arguments over the profile, which Kennedy disliked, yet notes they eventually ceased disagreements. Their initial conversations highlight Kennedy questioning the professional consequences of their involvement, likening their situation to a relatives marriage after a professional interview.

The memoir recounts instances where Nuzzi offered Kennedy guidance during his campaign, framing her advice as helping him think through decisions rather than dictating them. She shares anecdotes, including Kennedy confirming a story about a bear cub in Central Park, and his August 2024 social media video featuring Roseanne Barr.

During the summer of 2024, when Kennedys running mate Nicole Shanahan suggested ending the campaign, Nuzzi described discussing options Socratically. She encouraged him to weigh potential outcomes, including endorsing political opponents, while navigating his personal feelings. Nuzzi recounts emotional moments, such as Kennedy expressing a desire to be with her amid campaign pressures.

Although Kennedy endorsed Donald Trump publicly in August 2024, Nuzzi writes that she supported him, recognizing that he believed it was the right decision despite personal difficulties. She also notes taking precautions to avoid overlapping appearances at Mar-a-Lago and rallies to prevent exposure of their relationship.

In September 2024, New York magazine editor David Haskell inquired about Nuzzis rumored relationship with Kennedy. Initially, she denied it, later revealing the truth. Haskell reportedly suggested a tell-all as a way to preserve her job, which Nuzzi did not pursue. Following public exposure of the affair, Kennedy attempted to frame it as minimal and later indirectly apologized through an intermediary known as the Bodyguard, believed to be security consultant Gavin de Becker.

Nuzzi refers to Lizza as the man I did not marry, recounting the engagement ring she had come to view as a Diamond Albatross. She alleges Lizza had an affair with a Democratic campaign staffer, describing his behavior as controlling and threatening, including claims of attempts to distribute intimate materials to the media. She filed reports with the FBI and sought a civil protection order in October 2024, which she later dropped. She also shares that Lizza expressed willingness to reconcile if she chose to return.

The memoir paints a picture of professional and personal entanglements, highlighting Nuzzis attempts to navigate trust, loyalty, and public scrutiny while detailing the private dynamics that influenced her career and personal life.

Author: Sophia Brooks