Daryl Hannah Condemns Ryan Murphy’s Love Story for Misogynistic Exploitation

Daryl Hannah has publicly criticized the popular television series Love Story, created by Ryan Murphy, in an essay for the New York Times. The drama depicts the romantic relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, featuring Hannah as a character portrayed by actress Dree Hemingway. Notably, Hannah and JFK Jr. had a relationship in the early 1990s.

Daryl Hannah’s Critique of Love Story

In her essay, Hannah expresses disapproval of how the show presents her character. She states, “I have generally chosen not to respond to media coverage of me,” yet feels compelled to address what she describes as a tragedy-exploiting narrative. She argues that the portrayal of her character is not only misrepresentation but also underscores a troubling trend in storytelling.

• Hannah dismisses suggestions that her character is just a narrative device, stating, “A real, living person is not a narrative device.”
• She highlights the gendered implications of storytelling, saying, “Isn’t it textbook misogyny to tear down one woman in order to build up another?”
• Hannah specifically refutes claims about drug use and other character traits as false and damaging.

Impact of the Series on Daryl Hannah

The negative portrayal has led to a significant personal impact on Hannah. She reveals in her essay that she has received “hostile and even threatening” messages since the show’s debut.

Reactions from Others

Jack Schlossberg, JFK Jr.’s nephew, also spoke out against Love Story, criticizing Ryan Murphy’s understanding of their family. In a CBS interview, he remarked, “If you want to know someone who’s never met anyone in my family, talk to Ryan Murphy.” He emphasized that the representation of their lives is distorted for entertainment.

Despite the criticism, the show’s producer, Brad Simpson, defended Love Story, stating it was created with sincerity. Meanwhile, Sarah Pidgeon, who plays Bessette, acknowledged Schlossberg’s right to express his feelings about the show.

Love Story’s Streaming Success

Since its release in February, Love Story has achieved notable success, setting streaming records for Disney. It garnered 25 million hours of viewing within the first five episodes, making it the most-watched FX limited series to date.