The publication of a controversial memoir by journalist Olivia Nuzzi has sparked a media storm, drawing both sharp ridicule and unexpected support, including from Monica Lewinsky.
A Memoir Met with Mockery
This week saw the release of 'American Canto', the hastily written memoir by former New York magazine journalist Olivia Nuzzi. The book attempts to explain her romantic attraction to then-presidential candidate, now Trump's health minister, Robert F Kennedy Jr. A particular sentence describing her "favourite parts of his chest" became a focal point for widespread derision as press mockery reached a crescendo on Monday.
Defenders Rally to Nuzzi's Side
As criticism mounted, a number of prominent figures came to Nuzzi's defence. Monica Lewinsky, who has become a ubiquitous public figure, personally reached out to offer Nuzzi her sympathy. Author Lisa Taddeo, who wrote 'Three Women', praised the work on Instagram as a "scintillating love story".
Observers suggest Nuzzi, a respected writer before this episode, fell victim to a perfect storm: a tight deadline, the dizzying effect of a book deal, and an attempt to elevate a personally embarrassing story with overly elaborate prose. The book's sales were reportedly underwhelming, with CNN noting it was not flying off shelves in several Manhattan bookstores.
Cultural Boycotts and Royal Skepticism
In a separate literary development, novelist R F Kuang pulled out of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature following a call from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The movement urged a boycott of the UAE over allegations it supplied weapons to paramilitary groups in Sudan. Kuang stated she respects "organised calls for cultural boycotts against genocide". The withdrawal raised questions about why liberal-identifying writers agree to participate in festivals hosted by nations with questionable human rights records.
On British screens, David Dimbleby returned with a new BBC series, 'What's the Monarchy For?'. The 87-year-old presenter brought a rakish, sceptical energy, teasing David Cameron by impersonating Queen Elizabeth II and joking about King Charles's handwriting. While ostensibly questioning the institution's value, the programme often left viewers with a curiously warm, nostalgic glow for 'The Firm'.
Quakes and State Banquets
Residents in Lancashire and the southern Lake District experienced a minor earthquake on Thursday, measuring 3.3 in magnitude. The event provided the familiar, communal aftermath enjoyed by those in less seismically active regions, with shared stories and CCTV footage capturing the brief drama.
Finally, Prime Minister Keir Starmer enjoyed a rare moment of unalloyed pleasure during his challenging premiership. He was photographed beaming after being seated next to 1990s supermodel Claudia Schiffer at a German state banquet held at Windsor Castle. The guest list, which also included German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger, suggested Sir Keir had, for once, emphatically drawn the long straw.
