Olivia Nuzzi to depart Vanity Fair following tumultuous book release

WASHINGTON Olivia Nuzzi, Vanity Fair's West Coast editor, is leaving the magazine after her recent book stirred controversy and renewed scrutiny of her past connection with then-presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Representatives for both Nuzzi and the Cond Nast-owned publication confirmed that the decision was mutual, with her contract set to conclude at the end of the year. The split comes amid ongoing attention surrounding Nuzzis earlier involvement with Kennedy, now serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump.

The issue first emerged in fall 2024, but interest has intensified following the release of Nuzzi's tell-all memoir, American Canto. In it, she provides new insights into her relationship with a politician widely understood to be Kennedy, admitting she expressed love for him despite the professional conflicts it posed. Nuzzi previously profiled Kennedy in her role as a journalist, and Kennedys representatives have denied any romantic involvement.

Nuzzi had relocated to Malibu, California, citing a sense of political exile from Washington, D.C., and joined Vanity Fair as West Coast editor in September 2025, months after the scandal became public.

Her departure underscores the continuing fallout from the book and the ethical questions it raised about the boundaries between political reporting and personal relationships.

Author: Maya Henderson