New York magazine political reporter Olivia Nuzzi has filed for a civil protection order against her former fiancé, Politico journalist Ryan Lizza, alleging blackmail and threats to her career. The court documents, reviewed by Business Insider, reveal a complex situation unfolding amid scrutiny of Nuzzi’s relationship with presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Nuzzi’s petition, filed on October 1 in DC Superior Court, claims that Lizza engaged in surveillance of her devices in recent months, gathering materials for potential blackmail. She asserts that Lizza’s intent was to coerce her back into a relationship or, failing that, to cause professional harm.
The allegations include accusations that Lizza stole a personal device from Nuzzi and recovered deleted content, which he allegedly planned to distribute anonymously to media outlets. Nuzzi believes Lizza may have altered these materials to increase their damaging potential while concealing his own involvement.
In her filing, Nuzzi stated that Lizza “threatened to make public personal information about me to destroy my life, career, and reputation — a threat he has since carried out.” She also accused him of threatening physical violence to force her to take on his share of financial obligations related to a joint book contract.
Lizza has vehemently denied these accusations. In a statement, he expressed sadness that his ex-fiancée would “resort to making a series of false accusations” and pledged to defend himself “vigorously and successfully” against the allegations.
This development comes in the wake of New York magazine’s decision to place Nuzzi on leave and initiate a third-party investigation into her work and relationship with Kennedy. The magazine cited a “violation of the magazine’s standards around conflicts of interest and disclosures” when announcing the review last month.
While the court filing does not explicitly name Kennedy, it references Lizza contacting Nuzzi’s employer around September 18 to discuss “the matter.” This timing aligns with journalist Oliver Darcy’s September 19 report in his Status newsletter about Nuzzi being placed on leave.
The unfolding situation has had significant repercussions for New York magazine, its parent company Vox Media, and the journalists involved. Nuzzi previously stated to The New York Times that her relationship with Kennedy was not physical, while a representative for Kennedy has said he only met Nuzzi once for an interview she requested.
Lizza, whose employer Politico shares a parent company with Business Insider, has also been affected by the controversy. A Politico spokesperson announced that Lizza and the outlet had “mutually agreed that it is in everyone’s best interest for him to step back and take a leave of absence while an investigation is conducted.”
Judge Robert Hildum of the DC Superior Court has approved a temporary restraining order against Lizza, prohibiting him from contacting Nuzzi or visiting her home or workplace. Such temporary orders are often granted, sometimes without notifying the subject. A future court date will determine whether to maintain or lift the order.
The next scheduled court appearance in this case is set for October 15, where further developments in this complex and evolving story may come to light.