Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted to putting a dead bear cub in Central Park, New York City, after it was struck by a vehicle, and staging it with a bicycle to resemble an accident victim. The presidential candidate made the admission in a video posted to social media by the independent presidential candidate.
He said the bear was hit by a car ahead of his vehicle outside the city.
The event took place 10 years ago and triggered a police investigation and media frenzy. According to a BBC report, Kennedy's post came ahead of an expected New Yorker Magazine story.
Kennedy's presidential campaign as an independent candidate faced controversies and declining support. Recent polls show his support is in the single digits, despite previously reaching up to 15%.
His past comments were scrutinized, including a comparison of COVID-vaccine protocols to fascism and having. Kennedy's anti-vaccine organization's accounts were shut down by Facebook and Instagram for spreading misinformation.
Kennedy's campaign received financial support from Republican backers, but his family largely disapproved, considering it dangerous and a misuse of their legacy. His polling numbers showed strength among young and Latino voters in battleground states.
Campaign events focused on redefining important issues and avoiding direct discussions on vaccines, making euphemisms instead. His campaign released a video with Woody Harrelson's voice-over to redefine his public image.
Kennedy experienced challenges related to addiction, drugs, and relationship issues, including divorce and remarriage. He has been outspoken on the dangers of mercury contamination in nature. His recent behavior has been described as erratic and unpredictable by former friends.
He texted an apology to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in the 1990s, expressing regret and asking for forgiveness.
The candidate denied other claims that he barbecued and ate a dog.
Kennedy's campaign is selling a "Kennedy Sanahan 2024" teddy bear for $32, described as a perfect gift for supporters of all ages.
Sources: CBS News, The Guardian, NPR, Newsweek, Time, NBC News, Forbes, CNN, MSNBC, The New Yorker, Independent, Axios, BBC News, Business Insider, The New York Times, ABC News
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
