Daryl Hannah Criticizes Portrayal in JFK Jr. Series as False and Misogynistic
Renowned actress Daryl Hannah has strongly criticized the depiction of her character in the new TV series centering on the love story of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. In a guest essay published in the New York Times, Hannah expressed her dismay over the false and damaging representation of her in the FX and Hulu show titled “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.”
The series explores the romantic relationship and marriage of the stylish couple, who tragically perished in a plane crash in 1999 alongside Bessette’s sister, Lauren. Hannah, who had a prior relationship with Kennedy, highlighted her dissatisfaction with the way she is portrayed in the show, played by actress Dree Hemingway, describing it as unflattering and inaccurate.
The 65-year-old actress vehemently refuted the actions attributed to her character in the series, denying claims of drug use, pressuring someone into marriage, disrespecting family heirlooms, or manipulating the press. She expressed disappointment at having to defend herself against a television program and emphasized the misrepresentation of her life and relationship with John.
Criticism of the show extends beyond Hannah, with Kennedy’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, also condemning the producers, particularly executive producer Ryan Murphy, for exploiting the Kennedy family’s tragic history for entertainment. Hannah’s critique, however, holds a personal angle as she is a character in the series, citing the deliberate positioning of her character as an obstacle to the central love story.
Despite the producers’ intentions to showcase dimensional and compassionate portrayals of real-life figures, Hannah felt her character was unfairly depicted, portraying her as irritating and inappropriate. She emphasized her commitment to environmental advocacy and documentary filmmaking, stating that her reputation is crucial for the meaningful work she pursues.
Hannah reflected on advice given to her by Jacqueline Onassis, John’s mother, about handling media scrutiny, noting the shift in the digital age where falsehoods persist online. She also highlighted the underlying misogyny in pitting women against each other in popular culture, questioning the need to diminish one woman to elevate another.
FX has not responded immediately to Hannah’s criticisms, leaving the controversy surrounding the portrayal of real-life figures in the series unresolved.
