JFK's grandson accuses 'Love Story' series of taking advantage of his family
President John F. Kennedy's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, said during a Wednesday interview that the television series "Love Story," created about his uncle John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, "takes advantage" of his family and raises concerns about how their legacy is portrayed.
"I struggle to find a universe where someone taking advantage of my family is helping me," Schlossberg said on "Next Question with Katie Couric" when asked whether the show’s popularity could indirectly benefit his public profile.
Schlossberg, who is running for Congress in New York as a Democrat, has been publicly critical of the Ryan Murphy-produced series, arguing that it emphasizes dramatization over the historical and public service aspects of his family's legacy.
During the interview, Schlossberg clarified that his criticism was not directed at viewers but at the framing of the series itself.
"I want to be clear that no problem with anyone who liked the show or watched it," Schlossberg said. "My issue is ... to fictionalize and to sensationalize his romantic life without giving any credence to the serious things that he did."
He pointed to his uncle's professional background, including his work in public service and the legal field, as elements he believes were underrepresented.
"He was a smart, attractive person who cared about politics," Schlossberg said. "He was a very serious person."
In response to Schlossberg's previous criticism of the show, executive producer Brad Simpson insisted the series was a "sincere" reflection of his uncle’s life.
"What I hope is that when people watch the show, they will see our sincerity. They will see that we’ve approached this with love, and that we were trying to celebrate the life of Carolyn Bessette and JFK Jr," Simpson told The Hollywood Reporter (THR).
"I can understand why somebody could have a reaction before they see it, but I would say, ‘watch the show,’ because I think they’re going to be surprised at how sincere it is," Simpson said.
Schlossberg addressed portrayals of other family members, noting that some depictions did not align with his experience.
"They had my dad dressed up in some plaid outfit. My dad’s the most stylish guy I’ve ever met," he said. "People keep in mind it might be entertaining, but it’s fiction."
Despite his criticism, Schlossberg acknowledged that the series has introduced younger audiences to his family’s history, though he remained skeptical about its broader impact.
"As your questions indicate, it’s a mixed bag," he said. "But I’m really proud of the person and family that I come from."
"My family, we’re not just celebrities, we’re not just icons. These are public servants," Schlossberg said. "We don’t have a royal family in this country."
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Schlossberg connected his critique to a broader argument about how public figures are remembered, particularly those who held elected office or contributed to political life.
"Our family’s legacy is of public servants and standing up for people who have been marginalized," he said.
"It’s easy to remember, very glamorous people as just celebrities like people today," Schlossberg said. "But they were public servants who were duly elected."