Actress Sarah Pidgeon has broken her silence regarding the intense backlash over her portrayal of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming FX series “American Love Story.” The actress recently addressed the styling controversy that has dominated headlines since the first look photos were released, acknowledging the passionate response from fans and critics alike.
“I understand how widely beloved she is,” Pidgeon told Variety after backlash for the upcoming series. The controversy erupted in June when initial photos and behind-the-scenes footage showed Pidgeon in character wearing what many considered inaccurate styling choices for the iconic 1990s fashion figure.
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The Fashion Controversy That Sparked Debate
Recently, Pidgeon was snapped on set in New York City in character as Carolyn Bessette, wearing a black leather blazer, a brown midi skirt, and converse sneakers as she carried a cup of coffee. Fashion critics and fans immediately took to social media to express their disappointment with the costume choices.
“I want to love this, but so much is missing the mark in the wardrobe department. THE WARDROBE IS A MAIN CHARACTER IN THIS STORY,” stylist Liz Teich commented underneath Instagram footage from the show’s screen tests on June 18. The criticism centered on the perceived departure from Bessette-Kennedy’s signature minimalist aesthetic and high-end fashion sensibilities.
In real life, Bessette-Kennedy was a fashion publicist who worked for Calvin Klein and wore Yohji Yamamoto and Prada. In Ryan Murphy’s version, she wears a slightly wrinkled tan coat in a sad fabric, an ill-fitting copper slip skirt, a pair of Converse high tops tied around the ankle.
Key Points Summary
- Sarah Pidgeon acknowledges the “strong opinions” surrounding her portrayal of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
- Fashion critics argue the styling misses the mark on Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic minimalist aesthetic
- Ryan Murphy defended the images as camera tests, not final costume choices
- The series is set to premiere in February 2026 on FX
- Pidgeon was cast in March 2025 to portray the fashion icon opposite Paul Kelly’s JFK Jr.
Industry Response and Behind-the-Scenes Insight
The backlash prompted Murphy to clarify that the first looks were merely shot for lighting and color tests and do not represent the finalized costumes for either character. The renowned producer emphasized that the early release of these images was intended to prevent paparazzi leaks, not to showcase the final production quality.
The images show actress Sarah Pidgeon dressed like a Spirit Halloween version of Bessette-Kennedy. For those of us who were hoping to see her impeccable style portrayed on screen, they landed with a thud. Fashion publications and styling experts have been particularly vocal about maintaining authenticity in depicting Bessette-Kennedy’s legendary wardrobe.
The Pressure of Portraying a Fashion Icon
The details matter here as she used her image to control the narrative, highlighting why accuracy in costume design carries such weight for this particular character. Bessette-Kennedy’s reputation as one of the most notable fashion icons of the 1990s adds significant pressure to get every detail right.
The series, which chronicles the courtship and marriage of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, faces the challenge of meeting exceptionally high expectations from fashion enthusiasts and Kennedy family admirers. The show will follow the relationship between two of the most scrutinized public figures of their era.
Looking Ahead to the February 2026 Premiere
As production continues in New York City, all eyes remain on how the final styling choices will address the concerns raised by critics. The controversy has only heightened anticipation for the series, with fashion and entertainment media closely monitoring every development.
Pidgeon’s diplomatic response to the criticism demonstrates her understanding of the responsibility that comes with portraying such a beloved figure. Her acknowledgment of the passionate fanbase shows respect for Bessette-Kennedy’s enduring legacy while maintaining focus on delivering an authentic performance.
The styling debate surrounding “American Love Story” reflects the broader challenge of adapting real-life fashion icons for the screen. As the series approaches its premiere date, fans and critics alike will be watching to see how the production team addresses these concerns and honors Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s timeless style legacy.