Love Story EP Addresses Daryl Hannah’s Criticism
An executive producer of Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette is sharing thoughts on Daryl Hannah‘s controversial essay regarding the show.
“From the outset, this was going to be the story of John and Carolyn. We dedicated substantial research and effort into the people and moments that shaped their relationship throughout the series,” Brad Simpson stated in an interview with Variety published on Friday, March 27, in response to Hannah’s remarks.
Simpson added, “We delved into numerous biographies and journalistic accounts. When portraying real individuals, emotions and perspectives can be intense, making it challenging for anyone to see their likeness onscreen.”
He emphasized that “everyone involved in the show” aims to “approach each character with empathy and love.”
“We care deeply about all our characters,” Simpson remarked. “Hence, it’s understandably difficult for some individuals to see their representations. We acknowledge the genuine tragedy that impacted real lives. Yet our purpose was to honor those close to John and Carolyn.”
While the show reflects John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s relationship through a dramatized lens, Simpson highlighted the thorough fact-checking conducted by a legal team.
“Though our shows indicate from the start that we aim to convey emotional truths and dramatize events,” Simpson explained. “The rigor in fact-checking has intensified significantly. Interestingly, back during the era of The People v. O.J., there were many more journalists conducting in-depth analyses of our episodes and engaging in conversations.”
Simpson elaborated, “The landscape has changed; now we often see quick reactions on Twitter and Instagram rather than thorough journalistic discussions. Consequently, fewer journalists are examining the real-life situations that inspire our narratives and how they are presented in the show. Instead of in-depth analysis, it tends to be a rapid-fire judgment, a matter of ‘they got it wrong or right’ based on a Wikipedia review.”
In her essay published in The New York Times earlier this month, Hannah addressed her portrayal in Ryan Murphy’s series. Portrayed by Dree Hemingway, Hannah asserted that the series is not “remotely accurate” regarding her “life, behavior, or relationship with John.” She expressed a desire to clarify the “actions and behaviors attributed” to her, which she deemed “untrue.”
“I have never used cocaine or hosted cocaine-fueled parties. I have never coerced anyone into marriage. I have not disrespected any family heirlooms or intruded on anyone’s private memorial,” she wrote. “I never compared Jacqueline Onassis‘ death to a dog’s. It’s shocking I have to defend myself against a TV show. These are not merely creative interpretations; they are false representations of my character.”
Recalling her five-year relationship with JFK Jr. in the 1980s, Hannah discussed the ramifications the show has had on her life.
“When so many viewers watch a dramatization that includes a real name, actual consequences ensue,” she remarked. “Since the series aired, I’ve received numerous hostile and even threatening messages from viewers who believe the portrayal is factual. When entertainment uses a real name, it can have lasting effects on one’s reputation.”
Love Story is available for streaming on Hulu.
