Olivia Nuzzi, a seasoned journalist, is on the verge of publishing a memoir titled "American Canto" that is expected to send shockwaves through political and media circles. The book includes allegations of a digital and emotional affair between Nuzzi, a former New York Magazine reporter, and the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The memoir's content, which promises to reveal intimate text messages, could potentially have a profound impact on both Kennedy's marriage to actress Cheryl Hines and his standing within the administration.
Kennedy, 71, is reported to have denied engaging in any inappropriate relationship, asserting through representatives that his meeting with Nuzzi was strictly professional. According to sources close to the matter, the connection between Kennedy and Nuzzi was characterized as "emotional and digital in nature, not physical." Despite these claims, the revelations have cast a shadow over Kennedy's personal life and tenure as Secretary, with an anonymous source telling Page Six that the scandal could threaten both his marriage and job.
Nuzzi, who gained recognition for her political reporting in Washington, D.C., is also known for her decade-long coverage of President Donald Trump. Her memoir is expected to address this coverage, with the Daily Mail hinting at potential controversies for the Trump administration as well. The book is reportedly being stored on a separate server to maintain secrecy, and Simon & Schuster, the publishing house, has engaged crisis PR expert Risa Heller to oversee its release.
The internal review conducted by New York Magazine found no evidence of bias or inaccuracies in Nuzzi's reporting on Kennedy, although the ensuing controversy contributed to her departure from the magazine. In the wake of the allegations, Nuzzi's personal life has been tumultuous, with her job at the magazine ending and her engagement to fellow journalist Ryan Lizza terminated amid a bitter legal dispute involving accusations of threats and blackmail, which were later withdrawn. Lizza has vehemently denied these claims.
Cheryl Hines, Kennedy's wife, has maintained a public facade of composure despite the scandal. She has appeared alongside Kennedy at events but has reportedly opted not to move into a Georgetown home bought by the couple, expressing unease with the political limelight. Hines has hinted at addressing the rumors in her own upcoming book, "Unscripted," slated for a November 11 release. Simon & Schuster is said to be keen on keeping the release of Nuzzi's memoir separate from Hines's to avoid any overlap.
The publication date for "American Canto" is set for December 2, with a hardcover price of $30 and an ebook at $15, as per an apparent Amazon listing. There are no preliminary copies available for review, underscoring the secretive nature of the book's rollout. The story has been shared on social media, with People tweeting about the impending publication of Nuzzi's book on October 15, 2025.
