Daryl Hannah Condemns ‘Love Story’ Portrayal as “False” and “Misogynistic”

Daryl Hannah has publicly criticized the FX limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, denouncing her depiction in the show as inaccurate, damaging, and rooted in misogyny. Her response came in a scathing guest essay published Friday in The New York Times, titled “How Can Love Story Get Away With This?”.

A Critical Take on the Series

Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette dramatizes the relationship and marriage of John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette, who tragically died in a 1999 plane crash along with Bessette’s sister, Lauren. Hannah, who dated Kennedy before his marriage to Bessette, is portrayed in the series, played by Dree Hemingway, in what Hannah describes as a distinctly unflattering manner.

Hannah’s Specific Objections

Hannah asserts that the character based on her is a far cry from reality. “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,” she wrote. She specifically refutes several actions attributed to her character, including allegations of cocaine employ, pressuring Kennedy into marriage, desecrating family heirlooms, and intruding upon private memorials.

“I have never used cocaine in my life or hosted cocaine-fueled parties,” Hannah stated. “I have never pressured anyone into marriage. I have never desecrated any family heirloom or intruded upon anyone’s private memorial.” She also denied planting stories in the press or making disparaging remarks about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Misogyny and Narrative Device

Hannah argues that the portrayal of her character was deliberately designed to position her as an obstacle to the central romance, and that this reflects a broader pattern of misogyny in popular culture. “Isn’t it textbook misogyny to tear down one woman in order to build up another?” she questioned.

She cited comments from producer Nina Jacobson, who acknowledged that the “Daryl Hannah” character was intended to be an “adversary” to the Kennedy-Bessette love story. Jacobson stated in an interview that creators “always try to come from a place of compassion” but Hannah feels she was not treated with the dimension and complexity she deserves as a human being. Deadline reported on this criticism.

Impact on Reputation in the Digital Age

Hannah expressed concern about the lasting impact of false portrayals in the digital age, noting that unlike fleeting tabloid stories of the past, online content can persist indefinitely. She recalled advice from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis about dismissing tabloid lies as “bird cage liner,” but pointed out that this no longer applies in the current media landscape.

Current Operate and Advocacy

Hannah highlighted her current work in environmental advocacy, documentary filmmaking, and animal-assisted therapy for seniors, emphasizing her commitment to compassion and responsibility. She stated that her reputation is crucial for continuing this meaningful work.

Further Criticism of the Series

Hannah is not the only one to voice criticism of Love Story. Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy’s nephew, has also been vocal in his disapproval of the series’ depiction of his uncle and aunt. People Magazine covered the ongoing controversy.