It seems we just can’t quit the Kennedys. Decades after their supposed golden era, the American media machine is still chewing on their legacy — and this summer, it’s taking another bite.
Between a new CNN documentary and a Ryan Murphy dramatization, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette are being pulled back into the spotlight, with all the familiar glamor, scandal, and gloss.
But instead of offering something new or insightful, these portrayals seem to be recycling the same old narratives — ones that often leave out some very inconvenient truths.
JFK Jr.’s Reckless Legacy
Let’s start with the CNN documentary, titled America’s Prince: JFK Jr.. From the trailer alone — which oddly disappeared from circulation — it’s clear the network is leaning hard into nostalgia.
The project promises to explore JFK Jr.’s “remarkable life and enduring legacy,” which already raises some eyebrows. Remarkable how, exactly?
Because the facts suggest otherwise. JFK Jr. may have been charming and photogenic, but his actual accomplishments were limited.
Worse still, his recklessness played a role in the deaths of his wife Carolyn Bessette and her sister Lauren, when he flew a small plane — against advice — into the Atlantic Ocean. It wasn’t the first time he put lives in danger either.
Past girlfriends have spoken about being coerced into dangerous stunts, from rooftop Jeep rides to kayaking into open waters. So… heroic legacy? Not quite.
The Vanity of ‘George’ and a Life Unraveling
At the time of his death, John Jr. was facing serious personal and professional turmoil.
His glossy political magazine George was flailing, his marriage was reportedly on the rocks, and even his relationship with sister Caroline was strained.
Still, the upcoming series, produced with help from one of his close friends, seems eager to skip over these messier truths.
Let’s be clear: He was 38 years old, accomplished very little professionally, and was still coasting on his last name.
That might sound harsh, but rewriting history doesn’t do anyone any favors — especially not the public that keeps buying into the myth.
Enter Ryan Murphy’s Glamorous Disaster
Just when you thought things couldn’t get more surreal, Ryan Murphy has stepped in with American Love Story, a dramatized version of John Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s romance.
Production just kicked off in New York, but critics — especially fashion ones — are already unimpressed.
The backlash started with the wardrobe. Carolyn, known for her minimalist yet luxurious style, is being portrayed by Sarah Pidgeon in what critics describe as cheap, unflattering outfits.
Her signature blonde highlights? Missing. Her Prada and Yamamoto staples? Replaced with fast fashion.
Even her former colorist has publicly slammed the look, calling it totally wrong.
Why Are We Still Talking About Carolyn’s Clothes?
The fact that the biggest talking point is hair color and coat quality tells you everything.
Carolyn Bessette, despite her icon status, left very little behind beyond a carefully curated aesthetic.
She didn’t engage in charity work, she didn’t take up any significant roles after marrying into the Kennedy clan — she was mostly seen shopping, smoking, and attending parties.
That’s not to say her story isn’t tragic or undeserving of compassion.
But we need to be honest about what made her famous in the first place: her looks, her style, and her last name.
Ryan Murphy’s Defense and a PR Scramble
Sensing the heat, Murphy quickly gave an “emergency” interview to Variety, defending his casting, the styling choices, and even revealing he had a ten-person “style advisory board” on the show — although, curiously, he didn’t name a single member.
He also tried to flip the criticism, saying the media was bullying his fictional Carolyn just like they did the real one.
But Murphy’s part of the same media circus, isn’t he? You can’t glamorize a celebrity couple for clicks and then complain when people don’t like how you did it.
The Kennedys Push Back — Sort Of
Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.’s nephew and Instagram’s favorite Kennedy, jumped into the conversation too.
He wasn’t happy about Murphy’s project and said the family wasn’t consulted — though, legally, they didn’t need to be.
In a now-deleted segment from his Instagram reel, Schlossberg even asked Murphy to donate proceeds to the JFK Library.
He also claimed he hoped the show would reflect what his uncle “stood for.”
But let’s not forget, JFK Jr. once supported both Mike Tyson and cousin William Kennedy Smith amid serious rape accusations. That’s the legacy we’re talking about?
The Real Problem With Rewriting History
Jack Schlossberg, by the way, is 32, unemployed, and reportedly let go from Vogue as a political correspondent.
Yet here he is, lecturing the world on taste and decency. It’s the perfect irony.
Everyone cashing in on the Kennedy name — from Hollywood producers to disillusioned family members — needs to ask themselves: What are we actually honoring here? Glamour and tragedy are not the same as greatness and impact.
And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to stop pretending they are.