Daryl Hannah has taken aim at Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed series *Love Story*, which chronicles the romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. In a powerful essay for the *New York Times*, Hannah criticises the show’s depiction of her character, expressed concern over the narrative choices made, and revealed that she has been subjected to hostile messages since the series aired.
A Distorted Reflection
In her essay, Hannah, who briefly dated JFK Jr. in the early 1990s, articulates her discomfort at being portrayed in a negative light. She writes, “I have generally chosen not to respond to media coverage of me. I have long believed that engaging with distortion often amplifies it.” However, she felt compelled to speak out against the series, which she claims exploits tragedy while misrepresenting her character as “irritating, self-absorbed, whiny, and inappropriate.”
Hannah particularly objects to the show’s portrayal of her engaging in drug use, which she firmly denies. “It’s appalling to me that I even have to defend myself against a television show,” she shared. “These are not creative embellishments of personality. They are assertions about conduct – and they are false.”
Gendered Narratives and Misogyny
Hannah’s critique goes beyond personal grievance; she argues that the storytelling approach perpetuates harmful stereotypes about women. “Storytelling requires tension,” she acknowledges, “but a real, living person is not a narrative device.” She highlights a troubling trend in popular culture where women are often pitted against each other, stating, “Isn’t it textbook misogyny to tear down one woman in order to build up another?”
In a recent interview, one of the show’s producers referred to Hannah’s character as an antagonist, further fuelling her frustration. Hannah’s observations resonate deeply in a contemporary context where the portrayal of women in media is increasingly scrutinised.
Response from the Kennedy Family
Hannah is not the only one voicing discontent. Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.’s nephew, also condemned the series, stating, “If you want to know someone who’s never met anyone in my family, knows nothing about us, talk to Ryan Murphy.” He described the series as a “grotesque display” that profits from the private lives of others.
In defence of *Love Story*, producer Brad Simpson emphasised that the series was created with sincerity, while Sarah Pidgeon, who portrayed Bessette, acknowledged Schlossberg’s right to express his feelings about the show.
The Show’s Popularity
Despite the backlash, *Love Story* has emerged as a massive success for Disney, setting streaming records with 25 million hours of viewing for its first five episodes. It has quickly become FX’s most-watched limited series, drawing in audiences eager to witness the dramatisation of a high-profile romance.
Why it Matters
Daryl Hannah’s criticisms of *Love Story* underscore a vital conversation about media representation and the responsibilities of creators. As audiences become increasingly aware of the impact that narratives can have on real lives, it raises essential questions about the ethics of storytelling—especially when it comes to depicting the experiences of women. In a world where the truth often gets overshadowed by sensationalism, Hannah’s call for accountability serves as a reminder that every story has real people behind it, deserving of respect and accuracy.
