Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has apologised to members of his family for any “pain” caused by a Superbowl advert backing his presidential campaign.
The $7million (£5.5million) advert is a remake of a famous advertisement used by his uncle and former President John F. Kennedy during his respective election run.
The 30-second spot replaces photos of JFK with the independent candidate and uses the same jingle, urging voters to choose a man “who’s old enough to know...and young enough to do”.
The advert was made by the super PAC backing RFK Jr. and it is running nationally.
The independent candidate apologised to his family members for 'pain' caused
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He shared it on social media, with the caption: “Our momentum is growing. It’s time for an Independent President to heal the divide in our country.”
His cousin Bobby Shriver — son of the former president’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver — denounced the advert for using their uncle’s and his mother’s face, adding: “She would be appalled by his deadly health care views.”
Shriver’s brother Mark Kennedy also waded into the criticism, saying: “I agree with my brother Bobby Shriver, simple as that.”
Kennedy Jr. has since released an apology on social media, denying any personal involvement with the creation of the advert. He said: “I'm so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain.
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Kennedy Jr quit the Democratic Party primary to stand as an independentGETTY“The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. FEC rules prohibit Super PACs from consulting with me or my staff. I love you all. God bless you.”
The ad comes after JFK’s grandson called RFK Jr.’s presidential campaign “an embarrassment,” saying that “he’s trading in on Camelot, celebrity conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame.”
Kennedy’s views, particularly his anti-vaccine stance, have been slammed by his family members. In October, all four of his siblings released a statement stating that they “denounce” his candidacy.
Days earlier, the Democratic National Committee filed a complaint against Kennedy-backing super PAC American Values 2024, suggesting that their signature-gathering efforts in key states amount to an illegal contribution.
JFK’s grandson called RFK Jr.’s presidential campaign 'an embarrassment'
GettyAmerican Values 2024 has received a large amount of money from Timothy Mellon, DNC spokesperson Alex Floyd said.
“It’s fitting that the first national ad promoting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy was bought and paid for by Donald Trump’s largest donor this cycle. RFK Jr. is nothing more than a Trump stalking horse in this race," Floyd said.
The super PAC’s co-founder Tony Lyons said in a statement: “The panicked DC power brokers are working overtime to keep Kennedy off the ballot because they know he can and will end their culture of greed and corruption.
“They offer us soaring inflation, forever wars, and chronic disease. RFK Jr offers us real change along with freedom, trust and hope. Like his uncle and his father, Kennedy is a corruption-fighter, and it’s no wonder the DNC is trying every old trick and inventing new tricks to stop him. The public sees through it all and won’t stand for it.”