Olivia Nuzzi, the former Washington correspondent for New York Magazine, finds herself in the limelight once again as rumors of a digital affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continue to swirl. The scandal initially erupted in 2023, following Nuzzi’s profile of Kennedy, during which she was accused of engaging in inappropriate online interactions with him. Despite Kennedy’s denial of any impropriety, claiming they only met once for the profile, the controversy has persisted. Last week, Nuzzi was seen at a dinner party in Hollywood for her friend, Jessica Reed Kraus, further fanning the flames of public interest.
Kraus, a writer known for her sympathetic takes on Kennedy and critical views of Nuzzi, hosted the gathering where Nuzzi made a rare public appearance since the scandal broke. Nuzzi was spotted dining at the exclusive San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood this November, marking one of her few outings since leaving New York Magazine last October. An outside investigation found no evidence of bias in her reporting on Kennedy during the 2024 campaign, though allegations of her sending "demure nudes" and engaging in sexting with Kennedy have lingered.
“Regarding the current ‘situation,’ I hope you consider how difficult it is to publicly address a scandal involving a friend… It all began a few months ago, in November 2023, when I unexpectedly formed a friendship with Olivia Nuzzi, the Washington correspondent for New York Magazine,” – Jessica Reed Kraus
At Kraus's dinner party, Nuzzi reportedly described herself as "Jessica's muse and sometimes ghost collaborator." Although she has been maintaining a low profile in Los Angeles since the scandal, her public appearances suggest a rekindling of her friendship with Kraus. Nuzzi also attended a dinner at Musso & Frank celebrating the three-year anniversary of her online publication, dressed in an elegant black ensemble.
“As this scandal unfolds, I find myself questioning the very instincts that led me to trust [Nuzzi] as a friend in the first place,” – Jessica Reed Kraus
Kraus has publicly expressed mixed feelings about their friendship, particularly given Nuzzi's behavior post-scandal. Kraus's Substack has been a platform for her critical commentary on Nuzzi's actions and perceived partiality towards Kennedy.
“A twist neither of us saw coming, nor prepared to expand in greater detail,” – Jessica Reed Kraus
The complexities of their relationship add another layer to the unfolding narrative. Kraus hints at future revelations regarding Nuzzi's time spent away from the public eye and their renewed connection on the West Coast.
“all I’ll say is that in the months following the scandal Olivia had spent in hiding, we reconnected on the West Coast,” – Jessica Reed Kraus
While questions remain regarding Nuzzi's alleged online interactions with Kennedy, her recent activities hint at a shift toward redefining her narrative and professional identity. The dinner party was not just a social event but also an opportunity for Nuzzi to reestablish herself within her circle and perhaps signal an attempt to move beyond the controversy.
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