Daryl Hannah has launched a scathing attack on Ryan Murphy's hit television series Love Story, labelling it as 'tragedy-exploiting' and 'textbook misogyny' in a powerful essay published by the New York Times. The drama, which has captivated audiences with its depiction of the romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, features Hannah as a character portrayed by actress Dree Hemingway, based on Hannah's real-life relationship with JFK Jr. in the early 1990s.
Hannah's Strong Critique of the Portrayal
In her essay, Hannah expressed her frustration with the show's representation, stating, 'I have generally chosen not to respond to media coverage of me. I have long believed that engaging with distortion often amplifies it. But a recent tragedy-exploiting television series about John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette features a character using my name and presents her as me.' She emphasised that the decision to depict her character as 'irritating, self-absorbed, whiny and inappropriate' was deliberate and harmful.
Accusations of Misogyny and Inaccuracy
Hannah further criticised the gendered narrative tactics employed by the series, arguing, 'Popular culture has long elevated certain women by portraying others as rivals, obstacles or villains. Isn't it textbook misogyny to tear down one woman in order to build up another?' She denied specific allegations made in the show, such as her character using cocaine, calling these 'false assertions about conduct' rather than creative liberties.
The actor revealed that since the airing of Love Story, she has received 'hostile and even threatening' messages, adding to her distress over the portrayal. She asserted, 'It's appalling to me that I even have to defend myself against a television show,' highlighting the personal impact of the series' fictionalised elements.
Broader Backlash and Defences
Hannah's criticism follows similar outrage from JFK Jr.'s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, who recently denounced the series in a CBS interview, calling it a 'grotesque display' and accusing Murphy of profiting from inaccuracies. In response, producer Brad Simpson defended the show in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, describing it as a project 'made with sincerity.' Actress Sarah Pidgeon, who plays Carolyn Bessette, acknowledged Schlossberg's right to express his feelings while standing by the production.
Success and Controversy of Love Story
Despite the controversy, Love Story has achieved significant success since its launch in February, setting a streaming record for Disney. With 25 million hours of viewing for its first five episodes, it has become the most-watched FX limited series to date, underscoring the tension between commercial appeal and ethical storytelling in modern television.
