Daryl Hannah strongly criticizes the depiction of her character in the new TV series centered on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, labeling it as inaccurate, harmful, and misogynistic. In an opinion piece for the New York Times titled “How Can Love Story Get Away With This?” the actor expressed her dismay at the portrayal of her relationship with Kennedy in the show titled “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.”
The series offers a romanticized account of the love story and tragic end of the stylish couple who perished in a plane crash in 1999. Hannah, who had a prior relationship with Kennedy before his marriage to Bessette, criticized her depiction in the show as unflattering. She specifically refuted several actions attributed to her character in the first three episodes, including drug use, pressuring someone into marriage, and disrespectful behavior.
Hannah highlighted that the portrayal not only misrepresents her life and relationship with Kennedy but also includes fabricated actions that are entirely untrue. Despite her objections, FX, the network airing the series, has not responded to Hannah’s criticisms.
Criticism of the show extends beyond Hannah, with Kennedy’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, also condemning the producers for exploiting the family’s tragic history. Hannah emphasized that the show deliberately positioned her as an impediment to the central love story, portraying her in a negative light.
The actor quoted producer Nina Jacobson’s comments, indicating that the show aimed to create a narrative where Hannah served as an adversary to the desired storyline. Hannah, who now focuses on environmental advocacy and filmmaking, highlighted the importance of maintaining her reputation to continue her meaningful work. She lamented the portrayal of women in popular culture as rivals or villains, citing it as a form of misogyny.