Former MSNBC presenter Keith Olbermann has publicly responded to explosive claims made by journalist Olivia Nuzzi's former partner, who alleged the broadcaster funded her lavish lifestyle before their relationship began.
The Allegations Emerge
Ryan Lizza published a detailed account on Monday accusing the 66-year-old broadcaster of significant financial support for Nuzzi before they dated. According to Lizza's claims, Olbermann paid for Nuzzi's college education and provided her with expensive designer clothing from Tom Ford and Hervé Léger.
The allegations extend to approximately $15,000 worth of Cartier jewellery and substantial living arrangements in Manhattan's prestigious West Village. Lizza stated that Olbermann covered Nuzzi's rent and fully furnished her apartment in a building with doorman security.
"While Keith, who was 34 years older, was generous, there were strings attached," Lizza claimed in his published account. He described helping Nuzzi devise "a plan for her escape" from what he characterised as an unusual relationship dynamic.
Olbermann's Unconventional Response
Olbermann addressed the allegations through social media platform X, initially posting an animated GIF of Neo from The Matrix dodging bullets alongside the article. The following day, he provided a more detailed response defending his actions.
"Olivia and I lived together for 4+ years (4 birthdays, 4 Christmases, 4 anniversaries)," Olbermann wrote. "That's like $1250 of jewellery per celebration. And her apartment was a studio. And I made an f-ton then. What was I supposed to do? Get her gift certificates from Kmart?"
The broadcaster had previously acknowledged his relationship with Nuzzi last September after being informed that a New York newspaper intended to publish a story about them. In that earlier statement, he described the relationship as "really nice and (god help me) wholesome" and credited Nuzzi with being the person with whom he got his first dog.
Broader Context and Kennedy Connection
The allegations emerge against the backdrop of Nuzzi's forthcoming book, American Canto, which reportedly details her alleged "digital affair" with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. According to preview copies obtained by The New York Times, Nuzzi writes about developing genuine feelings for an unnamed politician during his 2023 presidential campaign.
Nuzzi served as New York Magazine's Washington correspondent during Kennedy's campaign and describes in her book how the politician called her "Livvy" and wrote her poems. She claims Kennedy even expressed desire for her to have his child, allegations that Lizza referenced in a court filing where Nuzzi reportedly described the relationship as "toxic" and "psychotic."
The journalist has not provided concrete evidence of the alleged affair, telling The New York Times she had "nothing to say about that" when questioned about preserving text messages with Kennedy.
Following revelations about her problematic relationship with a reporting subject, New York Magazine placed Nuzzi on leave last September. She acknowledged that "communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal." Almost exactly one year later, Vanity Fair announced Nuzzi would join their publication as West Coast editor, marking her return to journalism.
Both Nuzzi and Olbermann have been contacted by The Daily Mail for comment regarding the recent allegations.
