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Ryan Lizza Alleges Olivia Nuzzi Had 2020 Affair With Mark Sanford, Details Earlier Ties to Keith Olbermann

Lizza’s account follows publication of memoir excerpts about Nuzzi’s communications with RFK Jr.

Overview

  • Lizza published a first‑person post on Telos News alleging Nuzzi had a sexual encounter with former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford in March 2020, citing an unfinished love letter on Kimpton Hotel stationery.
  • He says the episode occurred after Nuzzi profiled Sanford in 2019 and while she was reporting on his brief 2020 presidential bid, which he argues crossed a journalistic red line.
  • Lizza also alleges Nuzzi previously had a financially entangled relationship with Keith Olbermann that included tuition, rent, and luxury gifts; Olbermann responded on X by highlighting the Sanford allegation and later downplaying the gifts.
  • Nuzzi has not issued a comprehensive public response to Lizza’s new claims, and Sanford has not provided comment in the coverage; outlets report that requests for comment were made.
  • The allegations surfaced hours after excerpts from Nuzzi’s forthcoming memoir, American Canto, revisited her acknowledged personal communications with RFK Jr.; the book is scheduled for release on Dec. 2 and the disclosures have drawn widespread media and social‑media attention.