Ryan Murphy Faces Backlash from Kennedy Family Over Upcoming Series

The entertainment world is buzzing with controversy as Ryan Murphy, the acclaimed producer behind hit series like American Horror Story and Glee, finds himself at the center of a heated debate over his upcoming limited series, American Love Story. The show, set to debut on FX in February 2026, will dramatize the high-profile romance and tragic deaths of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. However, the latest real-time news reveals that JFK Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, has publicly condemned the project, calling it “grotesque” and accusing Ryan Murphy of profiting off his family’s tragedy without their consent.

In a candid Instagram video posted on June 19, 2025, Schlossberg expressed deep frustration, stating that his family was never consulted about the series. “For those wondering whether his family was ever consulted or has anything to do with the new show being made about him, the answer is no,” he said. Schlossberg, who is the son of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, emphasized that while he values admiration for his late uncle, he finds it unacceptable for Ryan Murphy and his team to capitalize on the family’s pain in such a manner.

Family Outrage and Legal Limitations

Schlossberg’s comments highlight a recurring issue in Hollywood: the ethical boundaries of dramatizing real-life tragedies for entertainment. He explained that in New York, the right to privacy—including control over one’s name, image, and likeness—does not survive death, and since JFK Jr. is considered a public figure, the family has little legal recourse. “There’s really not much we can do,” Schlossberg admitted, though he urged producers to honor his uncle’s legacy and consider donating some of the profits to the John F. Kennedy Library.

The backlash is not limited to the Kennedy family. Fans and critics have also weighed in, with many expressing disappointment over the casting and costume choices. Social media has been flooded with comments questioning whether the actors—Paul Kelly as JFK Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—truly capture the essence of the iconic couple. Some fans have gone as far as to criticize specific wardrobe items, arguing that they do not reflect Carolyn’s signature style.

Ryan Murphy, known for his bold storytelling and high-profile casting decisions, has responded to some of the criticism. He defended the casting process, stating that over a thousand actors auditioned for each lead role and that the chosen actors were the “perfect choices.” Murphy also addressed the fashion critiques, explaining that some wardrobe decisions were made for visual appeal rather than strict historical accuracy.

Key Point Summary

• Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story will dramatize the romance and tragic deaths of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
• JFK Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, publicly condemned the series, calling it “grotesque” and stating the family was not consulted.
• Schlossberg highlighted the lack of legal recourse due to privacy laws in New York and urged producers to donate some profits to the Kennedy Library.
• Fans and critics have criticized casting and costume choices, with Ryan Murphy defending the selections as the best fit for the roles.
• The series is set to premiere on FX in February 2026.

Public Reaction and Industry Implications

The controversy surrounding Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story underscores the delicate balance between artistic freedom and respect for real-life subjects and their families. While Hollywood has a long history of biopics and dramatizations, the rise of social media has amplified public scrutiny and given a voice to those directly affected.

Schlossberg’s outspoken stance has resonated with many fans of the Kennedy family, who see the series as an unwelcome intrusion. At the same time, supporters of Ryan Murphy argue that public figures like JFK Jr. are fair game for dramatization, given their historical significance and enduring public fascination.

The debate also raises questions about the responsibilities of creators when portraying real people, especially those who have passed away. Should families have more say in how their loved ones are depicted? How can producers ensure that their portrayals are both compelling and respectful? These are questions that the entertainment industry will continue to grapple with as projects like American Love Story move forward.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ryan Murphy and the Kennedy Family?

As production on American Love Story continues in New York City, all eyes are on Ryan Murphy and his team to see how they respond to the ongoing backlash. Will they make any changes to address the concerns raised by Schlossberg and the Kennedy family? Or will they press ahead, confident in their creative vision?

For now, Schlossberg’s message is clear: admiration for his uncle is welcome, but profiting off his family’s tragedy is not. He hopes that those involved in the series will take seriously what JFK Jr. stood for and consider giving back to his legacy.

If you’re interested in following this developing story, stay tuned to official FX announcements and keep an eye on social media for updates from both Ryan Murphy and the Kennedy family.