Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 28, 2025 · Entertainment

Heated Reenactment: Ryan Murphy's American Love Story Ignites Controversy

Ryan Murphy is continuing to stir debate over his forthcoming series American Love Story, which will chronicle the turbulent relationship of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette

Scandal Rocks Kennedy Family: Ryan Murphy's American Love Story Sparks Fury Over Profit-Mongering

In a bombshell move that has left the Kennedy family reeling, renowned showrunner Ryan Murphy is pushing ahead with his highly anticipated series, American Love Story, which promises to lay bare the tumultuous romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and his stunning wife, Carolyn Bessette. The provocative project has sparked a heated debate, with critics accusing Murphy of profiteering off the tragic legacy of the golden couple.

At the center of the controversy is Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.'s nephew, who has come out swinging against Murphy's alleged exploitation of his uncle's memory for financial gain. In an impassioned Instagram post, Schlossberg slammed Murphy for "making millions" from one of the family's most painful tragedies, while refusing to donate any of the proceeds to institutions tied to the Kennedy family.

The son of the late president and his glamorous wife, who tragically died in 1999 at ages 38 and 33 in a plane crash off Martha's Vineyard, have long been the subject of public fascination

Murphy, however, has dismissed the criticism as "odd," suggesting that Schlossberg didn't really remember his uncle. But Schlossberg was quick to fire back, sharing heartwarming anecdotes about JFK Jr.'s affectionate side, including a fond memory of being called "Jackolatern" and having his uncle's iconic Pontiac convertible.

Despite the backlash, Murphy seems undeterred, continuing to meticulously recreate some of the couple's most explosive moments for the show. This week, actors Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon were spotted reenacting one of their most infamous public spats in 1996, when JFK Jr. was caught on camera shoving his wife in Washington Square Park. The dramatic reenactment, which eerily echoes the original photographs, sees Kelly channeling JFK Jr.'s sporty streetwear look and Pidgeon capturing Bessette's signature minimalist style.

But what's behind Murphy's fixation on the Kennedy couple's volatile dynamics? According to sources close to the production, American Love Story will delve into the pressures of their high-profile careers, rumored family discord, and the relentless media scrutiny that ultimately took a devastating toll on their relationship. The show will also explore the tragic events leading up to their deaths in 1999, when their private plane crashed off Martha's Vineyard.

By meticulously recreating such scenes, Murphy is making it clear that American Love Story won't shy away from the the golden couple's raw, volatile dynamics

As the drama unfolds, it's clear that Murphy is banking on the public's enduring fascination with the Kennedy family. And for good reason – JFK Jr. and Bessette were one of the most glamorous couples of their generation, with a romance that captivated the nation from the moment they met in 1992. After two years of dating, they became engaged in 1995 and secretly tied the knot on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in a stunning candlelit ceremony.

However, their fairytale romance was short-lived, as the couple's intense media spotlight only grew after their nuptials. Just three years later, tragedy struck when JFK Jr.'s private plane crashed into the ocean off the coast of Massachusetts, killing him, his wife Carolyn, and her sister Lauren. The investigation concluded that Kennedy lost control of the aircraft.

As Schlossberg continues to speak out against Murphy's alleged profiteering, it remains to be seen whether the showrunner will ultimately be held accountable for his actions. One thing is certain – American Love Story promises to be a wild ride, filled with drama, romance, and tragedy. Will you be tuning in?

This will undoubtedly provoke Schlossberg, who accused Murphy of allegedly 'making millions' from one of his family's many painful tragedies; Schlossberg is seen in August 2024

Murphy, for his part, dismissed the criticism, saying he found it an 'odd choice to be mad about your relative' whom Schlossberg probably didn't 'really remember' (Murphy pictured in 2018)

Carolyn and John Jr., the son of the late 35th President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, first met in 1992, when he was dating actress Daryl Hannah; seen in 1996