In a scandal that has rocked two of the country’s prominent media houses, Olivia Nuzzi, a journalist from New York magazine, has accused ex-fiance Ryan Lizza, chief political correspondent of Politico, of blackmailing her with information about her relationship with a previous presidential candidate.

Nuzzi, who has been granted a temporary ‘no-contact’ relief by DC’s Superior Court, wrote in one of her court filings, “explicitly threatened to make public personal information about me to destroy my life, career, and reputation—a threat he has since carried out.”

Nuzzi, 31, was placed on leave by New York magazine after she acknowledged that she had been in a relationship with a previous candidate, whose investigation has revealed was most probably Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran for president as an independent candidate. 

The magazine said that she had admitted that she ‘had engaged in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign while she was reporting on the campaign.’

The accused, Ryan Lizza, is accused of blackmailing her with the intention of forcing her back with him. As per the allegations, he stole her electronic devices and even hacked her accounts to gain information.

He has, however, denied everything. “I am saddened that my ex-fiancée would resort to making a series of false accusations against me as a way to divert attention from her own personal and professional failings. I emphatically deny these allegations and I will defend myself against them vigorously and successfully,” he said.

Controversial Relationship with RFK Jr.

However, despite his protestations, he has been placed on a leave of absence by Politico while an investigation is conducted into the matter.

“POLITICO and Ryan Lizza have mutually agreed that it is in everyone’s best interest for him to step back and take a leave of absence while an investigation is conducted,” read a statement issued by the spokesperson.

The court has set the next date for the hearing and now, a final decision is yet to come on the case.

Robert F. Kennedy, on his part, has also strongly denied all allegations of having had Nuzzie as his mistress, saying that he ‘met her only once’.

Looks like this case is getting into really murky territory. We hope that it doesn’t get messier!