Vanity Fair and Olivia Nuzzi Part Ways Amid Controversy Over RFK Jr. Ties
Vanity Fair and Olivia Nuzzi have mutually agreed to let her contract expire at the end of 2025 as the magazine distances itself from controversy surrounding her relationship with RFK Jr. Nuzzi had been Vanity Fair's west coast editor on a short-term deal set to end in 2025, with duties including coverage of the Pacific region’s events, industries, and culture.
The controversy centers on Nuzzi’s ties to RFK Jr.’s presidential campaign and alleged journalistic breaches raised by her former fiancé, Ryan Lizza. Lizza claimed that her connections were more extensive than acknowledged and alleged another relationship with someone she reported on. In November, Lizza exposed claims which included an accusation of an affair with former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford, whom Nuzzi had been covering.
Initially, Vanity Fair did not respond to the claims; four days later, the magazine issued a brief statement expressing surprise and saying it was reviewing all facts. Staff reportedly had little information about the internal review concerning Nuzzi’s situation.
Nuzzi’s memoir, American Canto, was released around the same period, with a positive profile in the New York Times and an excerpt in Vanity Fair. However, the reception has been largely negative. The book does not name Kennedy but discusses the entanglement.
In a video interview, Nuzzi indicated that she does not plan to return to campaign reporting and is not expected to continue as the magazine’s west coast editor. She acknowledged wrongdoing and that ethical rules exist and that she violated them.
