Jack Schlossberg, the nephew of John F. Kennedy Jr., has publicly voiced his strong disapproval of Ryan Murphy’s FX series, *Love Story*. He doesn’t mince words, believing the show exploits a deeply personal tragedy for profit.
Schlossberg’s criticism isn’t simply about artistic license; it’s about a perceived lack of respect and accuracy. He asserts that Murphy, who never knew his uncle or aunt, is profiting from a “grotesque display” of their lives.
*Love Story* dramatizes the relationship between Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, culminating in the tragic 1999 plane crash that claimed both their lives. The series, starring Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon, is the latest installment in Murphy’s *American Story* franchise.
In a recent interview, Schlossberg directly challenged Murphy, suggesting a redirection of the show’s substantial profits. He proposed donations to causes championed by his uncle, or even to the JFK Library, to preserve President Kennedy’s legacy.
This isn’t the first time Schlossberg has spoken out against the series. He previously labeled Murphy’s decision to profit from the Kennedy story as “grotesque,” a claim Murphy dismissed by suggesting Schlossberg shouldn’t be upset about a relative he barely remembered.
Schlossberg’s frustration extends beyond financial concerns. He’s deeply troubled by what he sees as misinformation and the misuse of his family’s image, particularly in the current political climate.
He points to Donald Trump’s repeated disparagement of JFK Jr., even going so far as to attempt renaming the Kennedy Center, as a prime example of the damage being done. The timing, Schlossberg argues, makes accurate representation crucial.
Schlossberg’s plea to Murphy is pointed: if the showrunner truly cares about the Kennedy family, he should use his influence to combat what Schlossberg views as a dangerous political force. He believes action speaks louder than dramatization.
The Kennedy family had no involvement in the creation of *Love Story*, and Schlossberg emphasizes this lack of consultation. This distance, he feels, contributes to the show’s inaccuracies and insensitivity.
Murphy’s previous works have also faced criticism for their handling of sensitive subjects. *The Ed Gein Story* was labeled “tasteless,” and *All’s Fair* received negative reviews, demonstrating a pattern of controversy surrounding his portrayals of real-life figures.
The backlash echoes similar criticisms leveled against Murphy’s 2022 series, *Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story*, where families of the victims expressed outrage over the depiction of the serial killer.
Ultimately, Schlossberg’s message is clear: the Kennedy story deserves respect, and its portrayal shouldn’t be solely driven by profit, especially when it risks contributing to a distorted public narrative.
