In a dramatic turn of events, journalist Olivia Nuzzi has filed a lawsuit against her former fiancé, Ryan Lizza, alleging that he has been blackmailing her regarding her alleged relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
This legal battle comes on the heels of revelations about an “emotional and digital affair” Nuzzi had with the 70-year-old former presidential candidate, which was disclosed after she profiled him for a story.
Allegations of Threats and Harassment
In a court filing submitted to the Supreme Court of Washington, D.C., Nuzzi detailed her claims that Lizza, 39, threatened to expose personal information that could severely damage her career and reputation.
She stated that Lizza has since carried out these threats, leading to her being placed on leave from New York Magazine.
During a court hearing earlier this week, a no-contact order was issued against Lizza, who is the chief Washington correspondent for Politico, though he did not attend.
In response, Lizza expressed his disappointment to CNN, claiming that Nuzzi’s accusations were an attempt to deflect attention from her own challenges in both personal and professional realms.
He strongly denied the allegations and pledged to fight back against them.
Claims of Harassment and Theft
Nuzzi alleges that Lizza began a harassment campaign in July, aiming to force her back into their relationship.
She asserts that he engaged in punitive actions when she did not comply with his demands.
Furthermore, Nuzzi accuses Lizza of stealing her electronic device and hacking into her accounts, subsequently sharing sensitive information with various media outlets.
She also suspects that Lizza played a role in her superiors discovering her connection with RFK Jr., possibly through third-party channels.
On Tuesday, a judge ruled that Nuzzi could have police accompany her when she attempts to retrieve her belongings from Lizza. The case is set to return to court on October 15.
Background on Lizza’s Career and Relationships
Lizza, who was previously a Washington correspondent for The New Yorker, was let go amid allegations of “improper sexual conduct.”
He had been married to Christina Irene Gillespie since 2004, and the couple shares two children. However, after 11 years of marriage, they divorced.
In 2022, Lizza got engaged to Nuzzi, who shared the news on Instagram with a series of videos showcasing her sparkling engagement ring.
The couple was reportedly working on a book about the 2020 election, though progress has stalled amid their personal turmoil.
Fallout from the Scandal
Nuzzi’s admission about the nature of her communications with RFK Jr. led to her leave of absence, although both she and Kennedy have maintained that their relationship was never physical.
Meanwhile, sources close to Cheryl Hines, RFK Jr.’s wife, revealed that she is contemplating filing for divorce due to the scandal.
Friends of Hines indicate that she felt “blindsided” by the allegations and believed her husband had moved past any previous infidelities.
As this legal saga unfolds, the public is left wondering what the next chapter will hold for Nuzzi, Lizza, and Kennedy. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.