A prominent journalist who reported on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign has been suspended after revealing a personal relationship with a previous reporting subject.
New York Magazine released a statement confirming that its Washington correspondent, Olivia Nuzzi, had not disclosed this relationship with an unnamed campaign figure while covering the 2024 election. The outlet stated that this oversight breached its policy regarding journalists declaring personal interests that could influence their reporting.
The magazine indicated that if they had been aware of the relationship, Nuzzi would have been prohibited from covering the presidential campaign. Although they reviewed her previous work and found no errors or signs of bias, they acknowledged the violation of their readers’ trust.
Currently, Nuzzi is on leave while the magazine conducts a comprehensive review by an external party. Reports from several outlets, including Status, CNN, and the New York Times, suggest that the individual involved in the relationship is Kennedy.
In a statement, Nuzzi mentioned that her relationship with the reporting subject became personal earlier this year, but she did not cover him directly during that time. She clarified that the relationship was not physical and expressed regret for not disclosing it sooner, apologizing to those she disappointed, particularly her colleagues at New York Magazine.
Stefanie Spear, a spokesperson for Kennedy, claimed that he met Nuzzi only once for a requested interview which resulted in a critical article.
Nuzzi had previously written a detailed piece about Kennedy, published in November 2023, titled “The Mind-Bending Politics of RFK Jr.’s Spoiler Campaign.” She also conducted an interview with Trump, the details of which were updated on New York Magazine’s website alongside a note regarding the situation.
After making headlines as an environmental lawyer and prominent anti-vaccine advocate, Kennedy announced last month that he would withdraw from the presidential race and endorse Trump.