Key Takeaways:
– NY Magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi had a relationship with RFK Jr. that lasted about nine months.
– Her relationship was undisclosed while she reported on RFK Jr.’s political opponent, President Joe Biden.
– NY Magazine insists that her relationship did not bias her reporting.
– Olivia Nuzzi is currently on leave pending a thorough review.
– Discussions on professionalism and sexism have emerged.
Nuzzi’s Undisclosed Relationship
NY Magazine’s Editor-in-chief, David Haskell, recently shared in an email to his staff about the relationship between reporter Olivia Nuzzi and RFK Jr. The secretive relationship, which lasted almost nine months, was already known to the management before Nuzzi disclosed it.
Impact on Her Reporting
Despite Nuzzi’s romantic encounters, the NY Magazine claims that her relationship did not affect impartiality in her reporting. However, at the same time she was looking into RFK Jr’s political opponent, President Joe Biden, as well as former President Donald Trump, who had a potential to pick RFK Jr as his running mate.
Conflicting Reports
According to Puck News, Nuzzi and RFK Jr had numerous meetings, contradicting RFK Jr’s spokesperson’s statement that they only met once. The publication also alleges that she sent ‘demure’ personal pictures of herself to Kennedy. As of now, Nuzzi is on leave while the magazine carries out a more detailed investigation.
The Sexism Debate
The incident has sparked heated debate among the political fraternity, with claims that questioning Nuzzi’s ethical disclosure is a form of sexism. Some believe this perspective stems from sympathy towards a woman in a political field. However, it’s essential to note that adhering to professional ethics and standards cannot be classified as sexism.
A Clear Case of Trust and Bias
The issue lies not with Nuzzi having an alleged non-physical affair but instead the professional integrity of having a relationship with a source she reported on and while covering his opponent. The questions of her having an affair with a married man, RFK Jr, known for his infidelity, are irrelevant to this discussion.
Nuzzi’s Reporting Called into Question
Nuzzi’s reports on President Biden have raised eyebrows, particularly due to their scathing nature towards his cognitive abilities, personal character, and physical appearance. Alongside, she has advocated for RFK Jr to be included in political debates and questioned why he didn’t have Secret Service protection, which adds a layer of suspicion to her objectivity.
Impact on Other Women Journalists
With discussions of Nuzzi’s actions being conflated with sexism, it threatens the legitimate claims of sexism faced by many women. Expectations of professional ethics and standards must be upheld by all journalists, irrespective of their gender. This issue, despite casting a shadow over Nuzzi’s career, isn’t expected to impede her future prospects, with many predicting she will still play an active role in political reporting.
In conclusion, it’s not sexism but accountability at stake here. All professionals, regardless of their gender, must understand the impacts of their actions and uphold the highest levels of professional ethics for the credibility of their field.