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Ryan Murphy Overhauls American Love Story Style Following Kennedy Test Photo Backlash

Murphy pledged series profits to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library to reinforce the show’s fidelity to its subjects.

John F. Kennedy Jr. and bride Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in 1996; Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Kelly as JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette on the set of Ryan Murphy's "American Love Story."
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Overview

  • Initial camera test stills of Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Kelly drew criticism for showing Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s hair as ashy platinum and John F. Kennedy Jr.’s accessories as inauthentic
  • Murphy explained those images were provisional lighting and color tests, not representations of final wigs, coats or bags
  • A dedicated 10-member style advisory board has been enlisted to guide costume accuracy and source original 1990s pieces
  • Production has incorporated vintage items once owned by Bessette-Kennedy, including Prada boots and Calvin Klein designs, to anchor the series in period detail
  • Paul Kelly was photographed on set in JFK Jr.’s navy suit and bike look, while Murphy’s profit pledge aims to support the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library