Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, recently took aim at his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in a series of Instagram videos that pushed the boundaries of Kennedy family decorum. In the videos, Schlossberg uses various accents to portray stereotypical characters, launching insults and mockery at his older cousin, who is running for president.
In one video, Schlossberg mimics a Massachusetts man with a heavy accent, saying, “The new guy, the young guy, he’s a friggin’ prick,” referring to Kennedy Jr. He goes on to imply that his cousin is using steroids and isn’t particularly smart. The grandson of JFK then impersonates a southern character named Wade, who raises horses and alludes to Kennedy Jr.’s supposed use of steroids, stating, “Steroids doesn’t make the horse think any better.”
Schlossberg also portrays an Italian-American from Long Island named Anthony, suggesting that Kennedy Jr. would weaken the U.S. military at a time when global threats are on the rise. Perhaps the most controversial impression is his depiction of an older New York Jewish man named Joshua, who questions Kennedy Jr.’s stance on the Federal Reserve, asking, “Who is going to protect my money?”
These videos represent a significant escalation in the family feud and have drawn attention for their un-Kennedyesque tone and use of stereotypes. Schlossberg, who has been a vocal supporter of President Biden, appeared alongside his mother, Caroline Kennedy, at the 2020 Democratic National Convention and called his cousin’s presidential campaign “an embarrassment” in a social media video earlier this year.
While some viewers found the videos humorous, others criticized Schlossberg’s use of accents and stereotypes. In response to the backlash, Schlossberg posted a follow-up video, in character, saying, “Not my intention, no disrespect.” Despite this attempt to address the criticism, the videos suggest a deeper rift within the Kennedy family and raise questions about Schlossberg’s possible political aspirations.
The Biden campaign did not comment on whether Schlossberg’s videos were coordinated with the campaign. Meanwhile, Kennedy Jr.’s camp also remained silent, although he has leaned heavily on Camelot nostalgia during his campaign. This controversy underscores the ongoing friction within America’s most iconic political dynasty, with Schlossberg’s videos serving as a reminder that not all Kennedys are on the same page.
