Ryan Murphy’s upcoming series American Love Story—scheduled to premiere in February 2026—is already generating significant controversy. The first season will chronicle the high-profile romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, a couple whose tragic death in a 1999 plane crash drew intense public attention and media coverage.
The backlash began after promotional photos of actors Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon in character as Kennedy and Bessette were posted on Instagram in June 2025. The images quickly sparked a wave of criticism online, with many questioning the series’ historical accuracy and raising ethical concerns about dramatizing real-life figures.
Backlash Over Styling Choices Sparks Debate on Accuracy and Creative Representation
A significant portion of the backlash centers on perceived inaccuracies in the show’s wardrobe and styling choices. In The Cut, writer Danya Issawi lambasted the costumes, arguing they fail to capture Bessette’s iconic ’90s fashion aesthetic, instead resembling “modern-day replicas.”
Additionally, Bessette’s former hair colorist, Brad Johns, criticized the portrayal of her hair, noting that it looked “too 2024” to be believable. These critiques have raised concerns about the show’s commitment to authenticity, particularly in recreating such a widely photographed and admired public figure.
Ryan Murphy’s ‘American Love Story’ Faces Backlash Over JFK Jr. Series, Styling Choices, and Family CriticismRyan Murphy has pushed back against the criticism, particularly targeting Vogue for what he described as premature judgment. He noted that some of the clothing shown in the promo photos was not final and expressed disappointment that media outlets didn’t consult the production team before publishing critiques.
Murphy compared the backlash to the way Carolyn Bessette was vilified by tabloids in the 1990s, highlighting that the series aims to explore the pressure and loss of privacy she endured as she fell in love with one of America’s most famous men.
Family Pushback and Ethical Questions Surround Murphy’s Portrayal of Real-Life Figures
Further adding to the tension, John F. Kennedy Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, condemned the series for capitalizing on his uncle’s life without the family’s involvement. While acknowledging that legal protections over name and likeness don’t apply posthumously in New York, Schlossberg criticized the show for exploiting his family’s legacy for profit.
However, he did suggest that if profits were donated to the John F. Kennedy Library, it might partially address the ethical concerns. Murphy responded by confirming he would make such a donation and expressed a level of admiration for Schlossberg’s online presence.
This isn’t the first time Murphy has faced scrutiny over his dramatizations of real-life figures. His previous series Monsters, which portrayed real-life murderers, also drew criticism from the subjects’ families and the public. Murphy noted that such responses often occur before the show airs, as was the case with Erik Menendez’s statement against Monsters.
Reflecting on the ongoing controversy, Murphy suggested that future promotions may include disclaimers explaining the creative process behind dramatizing historical events to better manage public expectations.