
Sat Jun 21 12:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Ryan Murphy’s upcoming “American Love Story” series, focusing on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, has already sparked controversy. Initial “camera test” photos released by Murphy, featuring the actors portraying the couple, were heavily criticized for failing to capture Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic style. Fashion critics slammed the outfits as cheap imitations. Murphy defended the photos, clarifying they were not indicative of the final wardrobe and that a dedicated “style advisory board” is meticulously recreating Bessette-Kennedy’s looks, even acquiring some of her original clothing. He expressed frustration with the scrutiny, drawing parallels to the intense media attention Bessette-Kennedy faced in life. Murphy also responded to criticism from Bessette-Kennedy’s former hairstylist and JFK Jr.’s nephew, acknowledging the family’s lack of involvement and pledging to donate to the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.
**News Article:**
**Ryan Murphy Addresses Fashion Faux Pas, Pledges Accuracy in “American Love Story”**
**Los Angeles, CA** – Ryan Murphy is promising to deliver a faithful portrayal of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic style in his upcoming FX series “American Love Story,” following a wave of criticism sparked by early “camera test” photos. The images, featuring actors Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon as JFK Jr. and Bessette-Kennedy, were widely condemned by fashion critics for missing the mark.
“Carolyn Bessette is clearly a religious figure, and it’s a religion of her own,” Murphy told reporters, addressing the passionate reaction. He clarified that the outfits in the photos were not final wardrobe choices, but simply stand-ins used for lighting and color tests.
Murphy revealed he’s assembled a ten-person “style advisory board” dedicated to replicating Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe, and the production has even acquired some of her original garments. “We have multiple pairs of Manolo black heels and sandals from 1992 to 1999. We have the Manolo boots she wore in black and brown,” Murphy detailed, emphasizing the commitment to detail.
The showrunner also expressed disappointment with a recent Vogue interview with Bessette-Kennedy’s former hairstylist and denied claims they failed to reach out for comment.
Furthermore, Murphy addressed a recent Instagram post from JFK Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, stating the family is not involved in the series. Murphy confirmed his intention to donate to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.
“American Love Story” is slated to premiere on FX on Valentine’s Day, with Murphy promising to release a series of videos beforehand showcasing the meticulous work being done to recreate Bessette-Kennedy’s signature style.