This is insane. It’s like that life long friend that is the worst person you know but you can’t quite get rid of them.
So did she actually send naked photos? Did RFK respond to her?
At the end of the day it’s hard to remember the human side of people especially Kennedy’s - his son filming the convo with Trump to Cheryl not willing to give up Hollywood to RFK trusting the the wrong journalist. Somewhere in his ego he wanted vindication for all the things they have written about him. I can only imagine the disappointed when he realized yet another betrayal.
I don’t really see Olivia much different than Kamala actually. I’m disgusted by the fact that some women exploit themselves, using their bodies to get ahead, and then claim to be feminists when it's convenient. Meanwhile, women like so many that we know but are rarely noticed, who refuse to play that game, are often labeled as 'anti-feminist' or 'conservative' simply because they uphold their dignity. The problem isn’t just misogyny from men—it’s the hypocrisy of women who claim empowerment while manipulating the very system they claim to fight against. What frustrates me even more is that the real victims—the women who don’t exploit themselves—are rarely acknowledged in these conversations.
I believe, at some point, you also became a case study for Olivia. I have no doubt she was taking notes on how to fly independently and be as successful as you are. I am sure your success is both intriguing to her and a blow to her heavily inflated ego. I expect to see her pop up on Substack, or another independent platform, in the future for sure. My question is, who will trust her enough to give her a chance at a story?
Thank you for always sticking to the raw truth. It is the absolute best part of your writing. I am so sorry your trust was betrayed.
Sara-TOTALLY! Nuzzi is so jealous of Jessica and how successful she is doing things exactly how she wants to. Nuzzi, it seems, only got where she is by being shady AF
This piece was worth the wait. Insightful, painfully self-reflective, and raw. I could feel the angst at times and desire to be truthful even when it hurt.
I too am irked by RFK’s poor choice to be tempted by Olivia. That said, I believe he lives a life none of us can comprehend. His name, striking good looks, wealth, power and utterly fantastic physique make him a chick magnet. Imagine walking through life, constantly being the target of sexual tension by every woman you encounter? That’s an exaggeration, clearly. But my point is that women like to flirt and engage men, for sport. Can I get his attention? Does he think I’m special? I doubt Olivia is the first to try and ensnare him during this election cycle.
I’m sure their intellect was a match and that she used some of her demure sexual tactics to have a little fun. Will be bite? Will he pick me? Then she fell, hard. They always do.
I was expecting (but didn’t sense) that your piece would elude to a “set-up” by Olivia or the DNC to derail RFK and Trump. A targeted evil plot to honey trap him in an effort to compromise and discredit his rising popularity. Perhaps this is a “conspiracy theory” but stranger things have happened. I would not put it past the DNC to use a seductress from a known liberal rag, a known liberal herself, to infiltrate HIH and the inner workings of Trump and RFK. If this was the plan, mission accomplished. Brilliant. If we were playing baseball, they just had a triple play.
Going forward, I think Jess understands now more than ever, that her access and connections are more powerful and intriguing than her social media numbers reveal. Welcome to the big league Jess, you’ve arrived and you earned it.
Now, dust off your tweed blazer, slide on your heeled mules and get back to work. America needs you.
The take away I got was look at this bad ass mom who couldn’t imagine sending her oldest to college and all her hard work has paid off to get here! Olivia was just a pebble in your shoe, couldn’t figure out how it got there, why, when, but eventually just rolled off into the dust. Your husband reminds me of mine, he’s got the intuition of an owl. Always watching, observing and protecting. You got this! Don’t let this pebble ruin your vibes 🔥🔥🔥
“If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that politicians AND PEOPLE PRETENDING TO BE YOUR FRIEND WHILE USING YOU will always let you down.”
Perfectly written, as usual. I’m sorry this happened. Are you going to listen to Mike more closely going forward? 😬 Seems like he had her figured out from the very beginning. Everything always seems so much clearer in hindsight. I think we want to believe the best in people, and some are just wholly undeserving of that from us. Trouble is, we rarely know that until after the fact. Unless you’re Mike. Mike knew. Haha
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, special place in hell for women who go after married men. Cheryl is the victim here and thank you for highlighting her. She sounds like a real human with a huge heart. Politics is a dirty business; sadly, now you know. Brush yourself off, listen to Mike and keep doing what you are doing. We are here for it. Also, Mike! Just let him vet everyone.
You have always seemed skeptical of the mainstream media. I wonder what made you let your guard down with Olivia. I can't see anyone in MSM wanting to befriend you or RFK with any pure motives; they've done nothing but trash him from the beginning. You would think he would’ve had his guard up big time. And why in the world would he want to look at naked pictures or pictures of Olivia in a "sweater dress two sizes too small" when you're married to the gorgeous and sweet Cheryl Hines!!! Mike seemed to have smelled a rat from the beginning. I hope there's not a next time, but if there is, go with Mike's gut!
I remember in one of your stories at the RNC when you were talking with James O’Keefe and you were going to get him into an event with you. And she told him no and waved him off. Isn’t it ironic that what she probably didn’t like about James O’Keefe or trust about him, was really exactly what she was doing to you….
I remember seeing those stories. It was the first time I'd ever seen Olivia, and I got such a wierd vibe off of her for not liking, or wanting to talk to James! It's like who doesn't like James?! I was so surprised to find out she was a friend, somehow she didn't fit into the puzzle😅
The whole time I read this article, I was thinking about that incident! She didn’t like him at all, and it left Jessica in an awkward spot…. Exactly how Nuzzi left her with this scandal.
When RFK jr. made the move to work with Trump, I will admit I found it emotional (in a good way) and it gave me so much hope for the future, it still does. I thought now this is the way things should work no hate no decisive comments, just different opinions. I still don’t care about the personal interactions of candidates, I just want their help and work ethic to fix this mess we have.
In the last millennium, there was a time when the private lives of public figures were off-limits. No more. I cannot pretend I am not curious for here I am, reading this Shonda Rhimes-worthy tale.
The author states that she feels resentment for being dragged (or similar characterization) into this, yet it appears that the friendship with Nuzzi was entered into willingly. I have read nothing to the contrary thus far and it does appear that the author is or has exited the relationship and hopes to avoid a trip down tell-all lane courtesy of Nuzzi.
There is something about a friend's betrayal that hurts in a bone-deep way. While it may leave us standing, it leaves us reeling nonetheless, particularly when we have willingly engaged with the betrayer.
Personally I found the idea of one amoral liar joining another amoral liar in a self serving pursuit of undeserved power significantly less than a positive experience.
As a fellow Scorpio, I feel you. Trust and loyalty are of the utmost importance. I think RFKJ's change in behavior towards you is because of her. I'm sure he will read this. It's good you were honest about your disappointment with him. Perhaps he was mildly flirtatious with Olivia. No one knows what exactly transpired between them, but we are all human. Her behavior--fatal attraction adjacent. Not that bad but oh so manipulative! Her "silent quest for fame", isn't so silent. It's pretty apparent. Unfortunately, probably not the kind of fame she was looking for. She ended up hurting her crush, but he has withstood a lot worse than this. This scandal will pass but hopefully RFKJ will stay with us for a very long time. Great, transparent reporting Jessica! sabrinalabow.substack.com
Wow, incredible piece. I really admire your transparency and sharing the story, I imagine it must be hard having developed a friendship with Bobby and people in his orbit to write true words knowing they are reading. Much respect, Jessica!
And… gotta know… what’s Mike’s sign?! He’s intuitively on it! He seems like a Virgo…
I would hope to think Bari has too much integrity to even consider her. Bari Weiss has been a beacon of truth and clarity this year and I stand firmly in her camp that she align those principals to who she hires for free press
Why does Nuzzi give me Gone Girl vibes?
Also, Mike is your secret weapon.
100 PERCENT!!! 😂😂😂
Yes! We love Mike. What a good man!
Yes!! This is what I said!!!! I have LOOOOOVED this era of Jess. It’s jam packed and she ALWAYS takes us along-esp through scandal like this!!!!!!
I couldn't quite place it as I was reading by you nailed it. Gone Girl vibes.
This is insane. It’s like that life long friend that is the worst person you know but you can’t quite get rid of them.
So did she actually send naked photos? Did RFK respond to her?
At the end of the day it’s hard to remember the human side of people especially Kennedy’s - his son filming the convo with Trump to Cheryl not willing to give up Hollywood to RFK trusting the the wrong journalist. Somewhere in his ego he wanted vindication for all the things they have written about him. I can only imagine the disappointed when he realized yet another betrayal.
I don’t really see Olivia much different than Kamala actually. I’m disgusted by the fact that some women exploit themselves, using their bodies to get ahead, and then claim to be feminists when it's convenient. Meanwhile, women like so many that we know but are rarely noticed, who refuse to play that game, are often labeled as 'anti-feminist' or 'conservative' simply because they uphold their dignity. The problem isn’t just misogyny from men—it’s the hypocrisy of women who claim empowerment while manipulating the very system they claim to fight against. What frustrates me even more is that the real victims—the women who don’t exploit themselves—are rarely acknowledged in these conversations.
Your comments are wonderfully insightful - I went to see your name and omg, you're a man! I love that even more.
I believe, at some point, you also became a case study for Olivia. I have no doubt she was taking notes on how to fly independently and be as successful as you are. I am sure your success is both intriguing to her and a blow to her heavily inflated ego. I expect to see her pop up on Substack, or another independent platform, in the future for sure. My question is, who will trust her enough to give her a chance at a story?
Thank you for always sticking to the raw truth. It is the absolute best part of your writing. I am so sorry your trust was betrayed.
Sara-TOTALLY! Nuzzi is so jealous of Jessica and how successful she is doing things exactly how she wants to. Nuzzi, it seems, only got where she is by being shady AF
This!!!!!
This piece was worth the wait. Insightful, painfully self-reflective, and raw. I could feel the angst at times and desire to be truthful even when it hurt.
I too am irked by RFK’s poor choice to be tempted by Olivia. That said, I believe he lives a life none of us can comprehend. His name, striking good looks, wealth, power and utterly fantastic physique make him a chick magnet. Imagine walking through life, constantly being the target of sexual tension by every woman you encounter? That’s an exaggeration, clearly. But my point is that women like to flirt and engage men, for sport. Can I get his attention? Does he think I’m special? I doubt Olivia is the first to try and ensnare him during this election cycle.
I’m sure their intellect was a match and that she used some of her demure sexual tactics to have a little fun. Will be bite? Will he pick me? Then she fell, hard. They always do.
I was expecting (but didn’t sense) that your piece would elude to a “set-up” by Olivia or the DNC to derail RFK and Trump. A targeted evil plot to honey trap him in an effort to compromise and discredit his rising popularity. Perhaps this is a “conspiracy theory” but stranger things have happened. I would not put it past the DNC to use a seductress from a known liberal rag, a known liberal herself, to infiltrate HIH and the inner workings of Trump and RFK. If this was the plan, mission accomplished. Brilliant. If we were playing baseball, they just had a triple play.
Going forward, I think Jess understands now more than ever, that her access and connections are more powerful and intriguing than her social media numbers reveal. Welcome to the big league Jess, you’ve arrived and you earned it.
Now, dust off your tweed blazer, slide on your heeled mules and get back to work. America needs you.
🥰
Kelly
Best comment, and there are so many good ones. You nailed everything I was thinking and then some.
Spot on - literally came here to write a version of this, couldn’t agree more 👏👏👏
Literally everything you said
Mike is literally your secret weapon-he’s got great intuition
The take away I got was look at this bad ass mom who couldn’t imagine sending her oldest to college and all her hard work has paid off to get here! Olivia was just a pebble in your shoe, couldn’t figure out how it got there, why, when, but eventually just rolled off into the dust. Your husband reminds me of mine, he’s got the intuition of an owl. Always watching, observing and protecting. You got this! Don’t let this pebble ruin your vibes 🔥🔥🔥
XO
“If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that politicians AND PEOPLE PRETENDING TO BE YOUR FRIEND WHILE USING YOU will always let you down.”
Perfectly written, as usual. I’m sorry this happened. Are you going to listen to Mike more closely going forward? 😬 Seems like he had her figured out from the very beginning. Everything always seems so much clearer in hindsight. I think we want to believe the best in people, and some are just wholly undeserving of that from us. Trouble is, we rarely know that until after the fact. Unless you’re Mike. Mike knew. Haha
Fantastic!
Trust Mike. He knows you. He’s standing guard.
You’ve done well to break this down. All five stages of grief. Denial, anger, blame, depression and acceptance.
Thank you for choosing truth and vulnerability rather than sitting in blame and anger.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, special place in hell for women who go after married men. Cheryl is the victim here and thank you for highlighting her. She sounds like a real human with a huge heart. Politics is a dirty business; sadly, now you know. Brush yourself off, listen to Mike and keep doing what you are doing. We are here for it. Also, Mike! Just let him vet everyone.
You have always seemed skeptical of the mainstream media. I wonder what made you let your guard down with Olivia. I can't see anyone in MSM wanting to befriend you or RFK with any pure motives; they've done nothing but trash him from the beginning. You would think he would’ve had his guard up big time. And why in the world would he want to look at naked pictures or pictures of Olivia in a "sweater dress two sizes too small" when you're married to the gorgeous and sweet Cheryl Hines!!! Mike seemed to have smelled a rat from the beginning. I hope there's not a next time, but if there is, go with Mike's gut!
I remember in one of your stories at the RNC when you were talking with James O’Keefe and you were going to get him into an event with you. And she told him no and waved him off. Isn’t it ironic that what she probably didn’t like about James O’Keefe or trust about him, was really exactly what she was doing to you….
I remember seeing those stories. It was the first time I'd ever seen Olivia, and I got such a wierd vibe off of her for not liking, or wanting to talk to James! It's like who doesn't like James?! I was so surprised to find out she was a friend, somehow she didn't fit into the puzzle😅
Who doesn’t like James? Presumably anyone familiar with his “work” at Project Veritas.
Guy is a habitual liar, which is off putting to normal people.
The whole time I read this article, I was thinking about that incident! She didn’t like him at all, and it left Jessica in an awkward spot…. Exactly how Nuzzi left her with this scandal.
When RFK jr. made the move to work with Trump, I will admit I found it emotional (in a good way) and it gave me so much hope for the future, it still does. I thought now this is the way things should work no hate no decisive comments, just different opinions. I still don’t care about the personal interactions of candidates, I just want their help and work ethic to fix this mess we have.
I think that's how most Americans feel
What I didn’t mention was the empathy I have for you regarding the Personal hurt/Disappointment/Betrayal you have experienced, stay strong.
In the last millennium, there was a time when the private lives of public figures were off-limits. No more. I cannot pretend I am not curious for here I am, reading this Shonda Rhimes-worthy tale.
The author states that she feels resentment for being dragged (or similar characterization) into this, yet it appears that the friendship with Nuzzi was entered into willingly. I have read nothing to the contrary thus far and it does appear that the author is or has exited the relationship and hopes to avoid a trip down tell-all lane courtesy of Nuzzi.
There is something about a friend's betrayal that hurts in a bone-deep way. While it may leave us standing, it leaves us reeling nonetheless, particularly when we have willingly engaged with the betrayer.
I believe all friendships are entered into willingly……this “You knew what you were getting into” Is a frail argument
Hope?
Personally I found the idea of one amoral liar joining another amoral liar in a self serving pursuit of undeserved power significantly less than a positive experience.
Welcome to politics.
So what you’re saying is that because you have no substantive response, you’re going to pretend that all politicians are like this. How sad for you.
Hi Ashton!
Super happy here😁😊👍Wishing nothing but happiness and enlightenment for you….
As a fellow Scorpio, I feel you. Trust and loyalty are of the utmost importance. I think RFKJ's change in behavior towards you is because of her. I'm sure he will read this. It's good you were honest about your disappointment with him. Perhaps he was mildly flirtatious with Olivia. No one knows what exactly transpired between them, but we are all human. Her behavior--fatal attraction adjacent. Not that bad but oh so manipulative! Her "silent quest for fame", isn't so silent. It's pretty apparent. Unfortunately, probably not the kind of fame she was looking for. She ended up hurting her crush, but he has withstood a lot worse than this. This scandal will pass but hopefully RFKJ will stay with us for a very long time. Great, transparent reporting Jessica! sabrinalabow.substack.com
Thank you Sabrina. I always love reading your comments.
Wow, incredible piece. I really admire your transparency and sharing the story, I imagine it must be hard having developed a friendship with Bobby and people in his orbit to write true words knowing they are reading. Much respect, Jessica!
And… gotta know… what’s Mike’s sign?! He’s intuitively on it! He seems like a Virgo…
People can be so disappointing. Looking back, what would you have done differently? It seemed that the two of you were crossing paths all the time.
Also, it just has to be said that there are so many "z's" in their names: Nuzzi & Lizza. Too many z's. Must have been a sign.
I would hope to think Bari has too much integrity to even consider her. Bari Weiss has been a beacon of truth and clarity this year and I stand firmly in her camp that she align those principals to who she hires for free press