The release of the Olivia Nuzzi memoir, titled “American Canto,” on December 2, 2025, marks a significant moment in contemporary political journalism. This book delves into personal scandal and offers a stark critique of modern American reality, all against the backdrop of a career-altering controversy involving Nuzzi and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The alleged RFK Jr. affair sent shockwaves through the media and political spheres, making the Olivia Nuzzi memoir a highly anticipated and debated publication. Nuzzi’s journey, from her acclaimed reporting to this deeply personal account, is a central theme explored within the pages of her American Canto. This memoir debate is expected to continue as readers and critics engage with Nuzzi’s narrative and the complexities of her experiences, including the RFK Jr. affair.
Olivia Nuzzi: A Rising Star in Journalism
Nuzzi has carved out a notable career as a skilled journalist. She now holds the esteemed position of West Coast Editor for Vanity Fair, a role she assumed in September 2025. Prior to this, she served as a correspondent covering Washington D.C. for New York magazine from 2017 to 2024. Her early work, including extensive coverage of presidential campaigns for outlets like The Daily Beast, established her reputation for sharp, “bravura,” and “irreverent” reporting, setting the stage for her eventual memoir.
The RFK Jr. Affair and its Fallout
Nuzzi’s career trajectory took a dramatic turn following her reporting on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign. In September 2024, she disclosed a “personal relationship” with Kennedy, a direct subject of her journalistic endeavors. This revelation led to New York magazine placing her on leave, and shortly thereafter, Nuzzi and the magazine parted ways. The scandal also had personal repercussions, ending her engagement to fellow journalist Ryan Lizza, who later claimed Nuzzi had an affair with Mark Sanford as well. This entanglement quickly escalated into a significant media storm, making the RFK Jr. affair a pivotal event in her career.
Inside the Olivia Nuzzi Memoir: “American Canto”
“American Canto” provides Nuzzi’s unflinching perspective, weaving together personal experience with incisive political commentary. The memoir confronts the “warping of American reality” that she contends occurred during Donald Trump’s ascent. Nuzzi details her intimate connection with Kennedy, whom she refers to as “The Politician,” describing a “digital affair” involving extensive texts and intimate photos. While Nuzzi maintains the relationship was not physical, she recounts exchanging “I love yous” and claims he wrote her poems. This aspect of the Olivia Nuzzi memoir is particularly scrutinized, with Kennedy’s representatives disputing the depth of their relationship, asserting they met only once for an interview. The American Canto review process has heavily focused on these disclosures.
Critical Reception and the “Hate-Reading” Phenomenon
The release of the Olivia Nuzzi memoir has ignited considerable discussion, with many reviews offering sharp criticism. Some have labeled it a “tell-nothing memoir,” while others decry it as a “pretentious mess.” Critics frequently point to Nuzzi’s prose as “tortured and halting,” often noting a perceived lack of self-reflection in her account of her actions. The concept of a “hate-read” has emerged, suggesting readers might engage with “American Canto” primarily for its scandalous elements and perceived flaws. This memoir debate highlights the polarized reactions to Nuzzi’s attempt to reframe her narrative. The review of her American Canto is deeply divided.
Nuzzi’s Career Comeback and “American Canto”
Undeterred by the controversy, Nuzzi has embarked on a career comeback, underscored by her new role as West Coast Editor at Vanity Fair. The Olivia Nuzzi memoir itself serves as a crucial component of this effort, representing an attempt to reclaim and control her public narrative. “American Canto” has successfully placed Nuzzi back at the center of public discourse, prompting reflections on the intersection of news, personal ethics, and power dynamics. Her journey from a celebrated journalistic talent to a figure embroiled in scandal is a compelling narrative, and her evolving editorial voice continues to be a subject of interest. The book stands as a testament to her resilience and a significant milestone in her Nuzzi career comeback.
A Divided Legacy: The Impact of “American Canto”
“American Canto” is undeniably a complex work, mirroring a period of profound upheaval in American politics and media. Nuzzi’s chronicle of the Trump era, juxtaposed with her entanglement in a major political scandal, forms the core of her memoir. While the book aims to process these seismic events, reviews suggest it may fall short for some readers, fueling the ongoing memoir debate. The Olivia Nuzzi memoir compels readers to confront intricate themes of love, power, and the often-blurry lines within journalism. Nuzzi’s story continues to unfold, and the lasting impact of “American Canto” is yet to be fully determined, though it offers a firsthand, albeit contested, account of recent American history and the complexities of a journalist memoir scandal.
