‘Love Story’ Producers Respond to Daryl Hannah’s ‘Textbook Misogyny’ Criticism

The producers of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette have responded to Daryl Hannah’s criticism over the show’s portrayal of her. The Splash star stated in an op-ed published in The New York Times on March 6, that her character on the FX show has been reduced to a villainized “obstacle,” calling the series guilty of “textbook misogyny.” Hannah went on to say her portrayal on Love Story is “not even a remotely accurate representation of my life.”

In response to Hannah’s criticism, Love Story producer Brad Simpson defended the series. “From the beginning, this was going to be John and Carolyn’s story, and we put a lot of research and rigor into all the people and moments in the series that ultimately shaped their relationship,” Simpson revealed to Variety on March 27.

The producer then emphasized the amount of research that was put into the show, saying, “We read a lot of biographies and journalistic accounts. Anytime you’re dealing with characters that are based on real people, there are big emotions and sensibilities. I think it’s tough for anybody to see themselves represented.”

Furthermore, Simpson said the intention was to “celebrate” all the characters on the FX series, including Hannah’s. “We love our characters,” he explained. “We know this is a real tragedy that affected real people. But our intent was to celebrate the people around John and Caroline.”

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A season 2 for Love Story has yet to be confirmed, though series creator Connor Hines revealed in a March 23 interview with Vanity Fair that he already has ideas for a second season. Hines says he wants the FX show to be anthologized, with the second season focusing on the love story between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Stream the FX series on Hulu and Disney+.