March 8, 2026 — Actor Daryl Hannah has publicly criticized her portrayal in the FX series Love Story: Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Junior, labeling it as “misogynistic,” “false,” and “sensationalistic.” In a New York Times op-ed published on Saturday, Hannah, known for her roles in Splash and Kill Bill, expressed her discontent with the series’ depiction of her character.
“The character ‘Daryl Hannah’ portrayed in the series is not even a remotely accurate representation of my life, my conduct, or my relationship with John,” wrote the 65-year-old actor. Hannah and John F. Kennedy Jr. met in the 1980s and dated on and off for more than five years before parting ways in 1994.
Controversial Portrayal
In Love Story, Hannah is portrayed by American actor Dree Hemingway, the great-granddaughter of author Ernest Hemingway. The series presents her as a romantic foil to Carolyn Bessette, suggesting she was disliked by the Kennedy family, preoccupied with fame, and obsessed with partying.
Hannah strongly refuted these characterizations, stating, “I have never used cocaine in my life or hosted cocaine-fuelled parties. I have never pressured anyone into marriage. I have never desecrated any family heirloom or intruded upon anyone’s private memorial. I have never planted any story in the press. I never compared Jacqueline Onassis’ death to a dog’s.”
“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?”
Behind the Scenes
The series, from famed producer and showrunner Ryan Murphy, pitches itself as a “fictionalized drama” and has broken records as the most-watched limited series on platforms Hulu and Disney+. However, the production team did not consult with any members of the Kennedy family or other real-life individuals depicted in the show.
Executive producer Brad Simpson told The Hollywood Reporter that the show was made with “sincerity” and “love and kindness.” However, this approach has not shielded the series from criticism. Hannah highlighted the negative impact the show has had on her reputation, noting the hostile and threatening messages she has received from viewers.
Reputation and Response
“In the weeks since the series aired, I have received many hostile and even threatening messages from viewers who seem to believe the portrayal is factual. When entertainment borrows a real person’s name, it can permanently impact her reputation,” Hannah stated.
Shortly after the op-ed’s publication, Hannah took to TikTok to share her thoughts, posting a video walking in the snow and linking to her article. “Hi. I’m Daryl Hannah. I’m a real person. I’m not that eager to be part of today’s cultural conversation – we all know it’s been getting more and more hateful and petty every day, but I hear there’s been a lot of talk. And I have some thoughts,” she said.
Broader Criticism
Hannah is not alone in her critique of the series. Jack Schlossberg, nephew of JFK Jr., described the series as “grotesque” and “capital F for fiction” in a recent interview. The criticism highlights a broader conversation about the ethics of dramatizing real-life figures without their consent or consultation.
Showrunner Ryan Murphy responded to the backlash in an interview with Variety, stating, “As a writer, it’s healthier and more effective to have some distance from the subject matter.”
The controversy surrounding Love Story: Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Junior raises important questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers when depicting real people and events. As the discussion continues, the impact on those portrayed and the broader cultural implications remain at the forefront.
