Ryan Murphy Responds to Backlash Over ‘American Love Story’ First Look Photos
Ryan Murphy defended his first look at the stars of American Love Story, his upcoming FX series about the love story and tragic deaths of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
Days after he posted camera test photos of stars Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon to Instagram, Murphy's latest anthology series was under intense scrutiny, especially over Pidgeon posing as Bessette in ‘90s era clothing.
“There were comments like, ‘I hate that coat, Carolyn would never have worn that,’” Murphy told Variety. “That was just a coat we threw on for color.”
After critics complained about Pidgeon posing with a Birkin bag style unlike the one Bessette carried, Murphy explained that he borrowed the bag from another costume department “because that was the sound stage we were on."
Murphy told the outlet that he has already curated a “style advisory board” to help source the cast’s wardrobe for the series—a wardrobe that won’t include any of the clothing seen in the camera test photos.
The producer also explained that he released the test images to protect his actors “from being absolutely swarmed by the paparazzi,” and instead got a taste of what life was like for Bessette when she became involved with JFK Jr. in the 1990s.
“It’s very interesting that people become so inflammatory. … We’re writing a story about a person – an unknown person – who falls in love with the most famous man in the world and suddenly she can’t leave her house. She was constantly being photographed, being called a c--- by the paparazzi,” Murphy noted. “They’re doing to our Carolyn, what they did to the real-life Carolyn. It’s not fair.”
“I made a mistake, and I’ve learned from it,” he added of the costume criticism.
Last week, Murphy shared a first look at American Love Story with an introduction of the lead actors. “Here are some stills from our LOVE STORY camera test,” he captioned a series of photos on June 14. “We started shooting this week in New York City and can’t wait until you see the romantic and tragic love story between America’s prince, JFK Jr., and fashion icon Carolyn Bessette."
"I am thrilled to introduce you to Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn and Paul Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr,” Murphy added. “Over a thousand actors auditioned for each of these roles, and we absolutely found the perfect choices.”
Murphy followed up with the camera test images, captioned, “Love Story Camera Test 6-1-25.” The clip featured Pidgeon modeling a tan trench coat while holding a black bag. Other shots had her wearing cropped jeans, a white button-up shirt and black leather jacket. JFK Jr. actor Kelly posed in a dark suit and several casual ensembles for the photos.
Fans and fashion writers had a lot to say about the clothing—and the actors.
“So much is missing the mark in the wardrobe department. THE WARDROBE IS A MAIN CHARACTER IN THIS STORY. …Please step it up in production,” stylist Liz Teich wrote. “CBK would never ever have worn a coat of this poor tailoring and fabric. JFK Jr. would have known to never button the bottom button of a jacket!”
“What in the holy 2025 hell is going on with the CBK clothing! The fit of that denim and shirt is 2025 not 1995. …Someone help the costume dept!!” another commenter added.
“That’s not Carolyn. And the wardrobe sucks,” another wrote.
American Love Story will premiere on Valentine’s Day 2026 on FX.
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