Jul 25
Jack Schlossberg Criticizes Ryan Murphy’s Upcoming Kennedy Series
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Jack Schlossberg, the only grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, has spoken out forcefully against Ryan Murphy’s highly anticipated series “American Love Story,” which dramatizes the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Schlossberg accused Murphy of “profiting off of” his family’s pain, calling the project “grotesque” and questioning the ethics of turning personal tragedy into popular entertainment .
The controversy erupted after Murphy, celebrated for his trailblazing LGBTQ+ inclusive programming, announced the series’ February 2026 premiere. Schlossberg’s criticism quickly became headline news, with both supporters and detractors weighing in across social media and news outlets .
“American Love Story,” the latest installment from Murphy—the creator behind “Pose,” “Glee,” and “American Crime Story”—centers on the romance and ultimate tragedy of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The couple, beloved fixtures of 1990s American culture, died alongside Carolyn’s sister Lauren in a plane crash in July 1999. Their story, marked by glamour and heartbreak, has been the subject of public fascination for decades .
Murphy has described the series as a “very sympathetic” portrayal, emphasizing its focus on love rather than scandal. Speaking on the “This Is Gavin Newsom” podcast, Murphy dismissed Schlossberg’s concerns, stating, “It’s very sympathetic. It’s a love story. It’s not a takedown,” and called it “an odd choice to be mad about your relative that you really don’t remember” .
Schlossberg’s remarks have reignited conversations about consent and representation in media—topics with particular significance for LGBTQ+ communities who have long seen their own stories told without input or consent. The debate echoes previous controversies over Murphy’s dramatizations, such as “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” which drew criticism from the families of victims for its approach to retelling traumatic histories .
For many LGBTQ+ viewers, the Kennedy family’s experience resonates with broader concerns about whose stories get told, who profits, and who gets hurt. “The issue isn’t just about the Kennedys; it’s about power and agency in storytelling,” said Dr. Maya Lopez, a media studies professor specializing in queer representation. “Marginalized communities—including LGBTQ+ people—have often seen their histories commodified and reshaped without their participation or approval” .
Advocates argue that responsible storytelling must include consultation, consent, and care, especially when depicting real lives and tragedies. As Schlossberg’s criticism highlights, the question is not just about what is legal, but what is ethical—a discussion that extends far beyond the Kennedy legacy.
Murphy, for his part, has remained steadfast in defending his creative vision. He noted that “American Love Story” aims to humanize its subjects and offer a nuanced portrait that avoids sensationalism. Still, critics remain wary, pointing to a pattern in true crime and biographical drama where emotional impact can overshadow the lived realities of those being portrayed .
The conversation has particular resonance for LGBTQ+ communities, given the historical exploitation and misrepresentation of queer lives in media. Many in the community hope that high-profile controversies like this will encourage greater accountability and inclusion in media production, ensuring that all communities—whether historical icons or everyday people—are treated with dignity and respect.
As “American Love Story” moves toward its premiere, the debate underscores the need for inclusive and responsible media practices. For LGBTQ+ audiences, who continue to fight for authentic representation, Schlossberg’s critique is a reminder that visibility must be accompanied by integrity. Media professionals, creators, and viewers alike are increasingly called to demand stories that honor the complexity and humanity of their subjects—whether they are queer trailblazers or members of America’s most famous family.