Daryl Hannah has voiced her discontent with Ryan Murphy’s hit series *Love Story*, which dramatizes the romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. In a candid essay published in the *New York Times*, Hannah, who is portrayed in the series by actress Dree Hemingway, criticises the show for exploiting her past relationship with JFK Jr. while perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women.
A Personal Rebuttal
In her essay, Hannah reveals her hesitance to engage with media portrayals of her life, stating, “I have generally chosen not to respond to media coverage of me.” However, she felt compelled to address the inaccuracies presented in *Love Story*, particularly the character based on her, which she describes as irritating and self-absorbed. “The choice to portray her in such a light was no accident,” she asserts, highlighting the narrative’s reliance on conflict and tension at the expense of real individuals.
Hannah’s critique extends beyond her portrayal, as she points out a broader issue of misogyny in storytelling. “Isn’t it textbook misogyny to tear down one woman in order to build up another?” she questions, emphasising the detrimental effects of such narratives on women in popular culture.
Distortion and Defamation
The actress is particularly disturbed by the show’s depiction of her engaging in drug use, a claim she vehemently denies. “It’s appalling to me that I even have to defend myself against a television show,” she writes, labelling these portrayals as false assertions about her character rather than mere creative embellishments. She also recounts receiving a slew of “hostile and even threatening” messages from viewers since the series premiered, further illustrating the real-world consequences of such fictionalised narratives.
Family Responses and Industry Defence
Hannah’s remarks echo sentiment expressed by Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.’s nephew, who has also publicly challenged the show’s authenticity. In a CBS interview, Schlossberg remarked, “If you want to know someone who’s never met anyone in my family, knows nothing about us, talk to Ryan Murphy.” He condemned the series as a “grotesque display” of their lives, underscoring a growing frustration within the Kennedy family regarding how their history is portrayed on screen.
In defence of the series, producer Brad Simpson claimed that *Love Story* was conceived with sincerity, while Sarah Pidgeon, who portrays Bessette, acknowledged Schlossberg’s right to express his feelings about the show. Despite the controversy, *Love Story* has achieved significant viewership, setting a streaming record for Disney with 25 million hours watched for its first five episodes, making it the most-watched FX limited series to date.
Why it Matters
The backlash against *Love Story* highlights the ongoing struggle for accurate representation of women in media and the potential harm caused by sensationalised storytelling. As Hannah’s experience illustrates, the lines between entertainment and reality can blur dangerously, leading to personal repercussions for those portrayed. This situation serves as a reminder of the responsibility creators hold in their narratives, especially when real lives and legacies are at stake. As audiences consume these stories, it is crucial to remain critical of the portrayals presented and to recognise the impact they have on public perception and individual reputations.
