Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing scrutiny following claims that he made an inappropriate move toward reporter Olivia Nuzzi during a professional interview last year.
The New York Post reported that according to multiple sources, the 70-year-old Kennedy allegedly grabbed Nuzzi’s hand during an interview hike, an encounter which Nuzzi later shared with colleagues. The incident has become a point of contention after additional allegations surfaced regarding a separate sexting scandal involving the two.
The hand-holding incident is at the heart of growing allegations that have escalated into a high-profile sexting controversy between Kennedy and Nuzzi.
The encounter took place during an interview that Nuzzi was conducting for a profile on Kennedy, which was later published in New York Magazine in November 2023.
Vanity Fair reported that sources close to Nuzzi recounted the details of the hike, describing the hand-holding gesture as "creepy." Despite the growing attention, both Kennedy and Nuzzi have declined to comment on the allegations, leaving room for further speculation.
Following the publication of the profile, the situation between Kennedy and Nuzzi appeared to intensify.
Kennedy has since claimed that Nuzzi initiated further contact by bombarding him with inappropriate messages and nude photos. However, Nuzzi has firmly denied these claims, stating that their relationship "was never physical."
Kennedy’s camp has suggested that Nuzzi's actions were unsolicited, and that Kennedy had tried multiple times to block her number. Kennedy has since hired security expert Gavin de Becker to investigate the matter, signaling that he is considering taking legal action against Nuzzi.
De Becker described the situation as Kennedy being “chased by porn,” asserting that it had nothing to do with romance.
The fallout from the controversy has been significant for both Kennedy and Nuzzi. In light of the scandal, Nuzzi was placed on leave by New York Magazine, which also issued a formal apology.
This has further complicated her career, which had already faced challenges following the split with her ex-fiancé, journalist Ryan Lizza, after the sexting scandal came to light.
For Kennedy, the allegations come as a potential threat to his personal and professional life. Kennedy, who is married to actress Cheryl Hines, has continued to wear his wedding band despite the scandal. However, Hines has been spotted in public without hers, adding further fuel to speculation about the impact of the scandal on their marriage.
Kennedy has made it clear that he believes Nuzzi's behavior crossed a line, describing her messages as unsolicited and inappropriate.
According to sources close to Kennedy, the communication began after Nuzzi’s profile on Kennedy was published. Despite efforts to block her contact, Kennedy reportedly continued to receive racy photos from Nuzzi, which prompted him to hire de Becker.
De Becker’s investigation has focused on the idea that the harassment Kennedy faced was unrelated to any kind of romantic relationship. Instead, Kennedy’s team has maintained that he was targeted in a way that was harmful and embarrassing, with no reciprocal interest on his part.
Nuzzi, on the other hand, has disputed Kennedy's version of events, maintaining that their relationship was purely professional.
She has denied initiating any inappropriate communication with Kennedy, and while she has not commented publicly on the incident, sources close to her argue that the allegations are an exaggeration. The allegations have raised questions about the nature of the interaction and whether Kennedy’s actions during the hike interview contributed to the escalation of events.
Both Kennedy and Nuzzi seem to acknowledge the high-pressure circumstances surrounding their interactions.
A source familiar with the situation explained that both individuals were aware of the risks involved, which may have contributed to the on-and-off nature of their communication.
Public reaction to the controversy has been intense, especially given Kennedy’s prominent position and his marriage to Cheryl Hines.
While Kennedy has continued to wear his wedding band, the absence of Hines' own ring has led to speculation about the state of their relationship. Kennedy’s team has not commented on the potential impact of the scandal on his marriage, though the public continues to watch closely for any developments.
As the scandal continues to unfold, Kennedy has not ruled out legal action. He has suggested that Nuzzi’s behavior warrants a lawsuit, though no official filing has been made.
His hiring of de Becker signals that Kennedy is serious about addressing the situation, and further developments could occur if the case proceeds to court.
The controversy has had professional repercussions for both individuals, and potential legal action looms as Kennedy considers taking the matter to court. As public scrutiny continues, Kennedy’s marriage to Cheryl Hines also faces speculation about its future.
