Daryl Hannah Criticizes Portrayal in JFK Jr. Series as False and Misogynistic
Renowned actress Daryl Hannah has strongly condemned the depiction of her character in the new TV series on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette as inaccurate, harmful, and misogynistic. In a guest essay published in the New York Times, Hannah questioned the portrayal of her relationship with Kennedy in the show titled “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.”
The series explores the romantic journey and marriage of the iconic couple, who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in 1999. Hannah, who had a relationship with Kennedy before his marriage to Bessette, expressed dismay at the unflattering representation of her character, played by Dree Hemingway in the series.
In her essay, Hannah refuted specific actions attributed to her character in the show, emphasizing that the portrayal did not reflect her life, conduct, or relationship with John. She vehemently denied engaging in drug use, pressuring anyone into marriage, or any of the other behaviors attributed to her character in the series.
The actress also criticized the show’s producers, particularly executive producer Ryan Murphy, for allegedly exploiting the Kennedy family’s tragic past. Hannah highlighted that positioning her as an obstacle to the central love story portrayed her as “irritating, self-absorbed, whiny, and inappropriate.”
Despite the criticism, FX, the network airing the series, has not yet responded to Hannah’s accusations. The actress, who now focuses on environmental advocacy and documentary filmmaking, emphasized the importance of maintaining her reputation for continuing her meaningful work.
Reflecting on advice given to her by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis about dealing with tabloid lies, Hannah noted the lasting impact of misinformation in today’s digital age. She raised concerns about the portrayal of women in popular culture, questioning the need to tear down one woman to elevate another, labeling such practices as textbook misogyny.