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Unverified Nuzzi–Sanford Allegation Puts Vanity Fair Under New Scrutiny

Ryan Lizza’s post following Vanity Fair’s promotion of an excerpt from Olivia Nuzzi’s memoir has sharpened ethics questions around the magazine’s new hire.

Overview

  • Ryan Lizza alleged on his Substack that Olivia Nuzzi had a sexual relationship with former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford while she covered his 2019 White House bid.
  • The allegation has not been independently verified, and Vanity Fair and New York Magazine declined to comment as Sanford did not immediately respond and a representative for Nuzzi also declined.
  • Reports from the Status newsletter, echoed by the New York Post, say Vanity Fair staffers were shocked and that some called for management to reconsider Nuzzi’s hire.
  • The View host Sunny Hostin said the claims reflect a serious ethical breach and argued the situation undermines trust in Nuzzi’s journalism and her new role.
  • Nuzzi previously acknowledged a relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that she said should have been disclosed, and New York Magazine said a review—later confirmed by a third-party law firm—found no inaccuracies or bias before she left and joined Vanity Fair in September.