Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s hidden diaries have come to light, revealing candid and at times severe appraisals of several prominent figures.
According to the New York Post, the personal diaries expose Kennedy's opinions on an array of celebrities and politicians throughout various stages of his life, including his reflections during a short imprisonment.
Kennedy, who was recently nominated by Donald Trump to become the next federal health secretary, has mingled with a wealth of notable personalities over the years, from actors to politicians. His critiques range from Tom Hanks to Bill Clinton, as well as his insights into family dynamics and personal struggles.
During an event in February 2000, Kennedy characterized actor Tom Hanks as a person who complains excessively, noting his surprising attitude given his apparent success. "I thought the guy was a chronic complainer when he seemed to have the best luck on Earth," Kennedy wrote of Hanks after their encounter.
Kennedy's impression of newscaster Paula Zahn wasn't flattering. He described her in January 2000 as potentially harboring deep conservative leanings. Kennedy noted that despite Zahn’s congenial behavior towards him, she came off as a puppet of conservative propaganda.
In the diaries, Kennedy also recounted a meeting in 1999 with actor Bruce Willis, who appeared physically different from his tough onscreen persona. "I was struck by how slim and strong Willis was — almost slight. He looks buff and tough in the movies," Kennedy observed, noting the contrast between Willis's real-life stature and his cinematic image.
Kennedy’s interactions weren't limited to entertainment figures; he also mingled with political giants. His commentary on former President Bill Clinton followed an issued pardon that disappointed him deeply. Kennedy voiced his disillusionment thus: "He has sold out all who believed in him for trinkets and whatever else he got for those pardons. I think of all the good deeds he didn’t do — like Vieques.”
The diaries also reveal Kennedy’s battles with what he calls "wild impulses" and "powerful demons," particularly regarding his sexuality. Entries from 2013 explicitly discuss his challenges and list names of women he encountered, assigning them ratings.
Kennedy's disappointment extends into his own family, particularly towards Edwin Schlossberg, who married his cousin Caroline Kennedy. He criticized Schlossberg's handling of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's estate as financially negligent and grossly ineffective. On this matter, Kennedy felt no need to mince words in his journals.
Another poignant entry comes from Kennedy’s time spent in a Puerto Rican jail in July 2001 for protesting U.S. Navy bombings on Vieques. During his incarceration, he received a visit from actor Benicio del Toro. While imprisoned, Kennedy reflected on various readings, comparing Napoleon unfavorably to historical villains based on his documented words and actions.
Kennedy’s diaries not only disclose his discontent with the handling of national matters and personal relationships but also unearth his nuanced views on complicating personal friendships, shown by his conversations with Alec Baldwin during Baldwin's difficult divorce from Kim Basinger. Kennedy recalled Baldwin's concerns about their child, illustrating the personal trust shared among high-profile friends.
As these diaries become public, they shed light not only on Kennedy's personal and social judgments but also provide a rare glimpse into the private views held by a figure who has traversed both celebrity and political spheres.
Ultimately, These reflections provide a comprehensive insight into not just the people he interacted with but also his personal ethical and emotional struggles over the years.
