Ryan Lizza, the ex-fiancé of New York magazine political reporter Olivia Nuzzi, has responded to claims made by Nuzzi that he tried to blackmail her after learning about her inappropriate relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In a court filing, Lizza stated that Nuzzi admitted to the affair, describing it as toxic, unhealthy, and indefensible. He denied Nuzzi’s allegations of blackmail and hacking, saying that most of the information he knew about the affair came directly from Nuzzi herself. Lizza claimed that he asked Nuzzi to move out of their home after she informed him of the affair, and disputed Nuzzi’s accusation that he tried to blackmail her back into their relationship.
A judge granted Nuzzi a no-contact order from Lizza following these allegations, and Nuzzi’s lawyers accused Lizza of using the press to harass and humiliate her. Nuzzi had previously been put on leave from New York magazine after the relationship with Kennedy came to light, as the publication investigated the fairness of her reporting on the 2024 election. Nuzzi and Kennedy’s relationship reportedly began after she profiled him for the magazine, though Nuzzi maintained that it was never physical. Lizza denied in his court filing that he was the one who informed New York magazine about the affair, claiming that he had tried to advise Nuzzi on how to handle the situation in a way that minimized damage to all parties involved.
Despite the turmoil, Nuzzi’s lawyers emphasized that her only goal in seeking intervention from law enforcement and the court was to ensure her safety and be left alone. Lizza’s court filing detailed his efforts to persuade Nuzzi to break off contact with Kennedy and to disclose the affair to her editors before they found out on their own. He claimed that he had tried to help Nuzzi make decisions that would limit the damage and embarrassment to both of them, as well as their families and journalistic institutions. However, Nuzzi reportedly refused to disclose the affair to her editors before it became public knowledge. Nuzzi did not respond to requests for comment on the situation.
The relationship between Nuzzi and Kennedy, and the subsequent fallout, has put both Nuzzi and Lizza in the spotlight. Nuzzi has accused Lizza of attempting to blackmail her, while Lizza maintains that he was simply trying to advise Nuzzi on how to handle the situation in a way that would protect both of them. The legal proceedings and media attention surrounding the affair have raised questions about journalistic ethics and professionalism. Nuzzi’s reputation has been called into question, as has Lizza’s character. The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining personal and professional boundaries in the world of journalism, especially when relationships become entangled with reporting responsibilities.