Meet Conor Kennedy: From American Royalty to Advocate and Adventurer
He turns private grief into public purpose, shaping a path marked by service and justice.
Image: ShutterStock
Meet Conor Kennedy: Scion of an American Dynasty
Conor Kennedy’s life began amid the luminous yet sometimes overwhelming legacy of the Kennedy family. As the eldest child of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, Conor has often found himself caught between deeply personal challenges, public scrutiny, and a commitment to justice reminiscent of his ancestors.
Family Heritage and Early Life
Born on July 25, 1994, Conor Richardson Kennedy is the first of three children from RFK Jr.’s marriage to Mary Richardson. He grew up surrounded by the traditions of America’s most storied political family, often referred to as “American royalty.” His connections are extensive, including being a first cousin once removed of Maria Shriver (daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver) and related to the Schwarzenegger family through Maria’s former marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Tragedy struck early in Conor’s life. In 2012, his mother died by suicide at the family’s home in Bedford, New York. Conor was only 17, and the loss was keenly felt both personally and publicly. The family was already enduring turbulence, as Mary and RFK Jr. had been estranged for two years.
- Parents: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. & Mary Richardson Kennedy
- Siblings:
- Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy
- William Finbar (“Finn”) Kennedy
- Notable relatives: Maria Shriver (cousin), Schwarzenegger family (by marriage)
Education: Ivy League to Law
Following a line of Kennedys versed in public service and law, Conor dedicated himself to academic achievement. He attended Harvard University, majoring in History & Literature, and deepened his commitment to understanding the intersections of law, society, and justice.
He continued on to Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., where he earned his law degree in 2023.
Legal Career and Fight for Justice
After Georgetown, Conor joined the Los Angeles office of the law firm Wisner Baum as an attorney. According to the firm, he is “currently working on the Zantac cancer litigation team, representing more than 11,000 clients with cases in California and Delaware state courts.”
- 2023: Graduated from Georgetown University Law Center
- Current role: Attorney at Wisner Baum’s Los Angeles office
- Specialty: Zantac cancer litigation (large-scale pharmaceutical lawsuit)
This focus on consumer justice aligns with the Kennedy family’s traditional commitment to advocacy and public welfare, and marks Conor as a new-generation Kennedy carving his path in law.
Activism, Adventurism, and Standing by His Convictions
Conor Kennedy’s sense of justice extends beyond the courtroom. He’s demonstrated a willingness to make personal sacrifices for what he believes is right, even at significant personal risk.
In 2013, Conor and his father were arrested while protesting the Keystone XL pipeline outside the White House, emphasizing his early dedication to climate activism.
Three years later, he faced legal trouble again after a physical altercation outside a Colorado nightclub, reportedly in defense of a friend subjected to homophobic slurs.
Secret Volunteer Service in Ukraine
In a decision both unexpected and in keeping with his commitment to justice, Conor left a summer job at a law firm in 2022 to volunteer for the Ukrainian military amid the ongoing war with Russia. Few knew of his location at the time. In a deeply personal Instagram post, Conor revealed:
“I told one person here where I was, and I told one person there my real name. I didn’t want to worry anyone, and I didn’t want to be treated differently on the ground.”
“Going in, I had no prior military experience and wasn’t a great shot, but I could carry heavy things and learned fast. I was also willing to die there.”
He explained his motivation as being “deeply moved by what I saw happening in Ukraine over the past year. I wanted to help.”
- 2013: Pipeline protest arrest alongside RFK Jr.
- 2016: Arrested in Colorado defending a friend against discrimination
- 2022: Volunteered for Ukrainian military amid the Russian invasion
In the Public Eye: From Tragedy to Tabloid
Despite a preference for privacy, Conor Kennedy has attracted media attention at critical points in his life. The death of his mother in 2012 put him in the spotlight during a moment of intense grief. Shortly thereafter, his brief romance with pop star Taylor Swift propelled him onto the covers of national tabloids.
The pair dated during the summer of 2012—she was 22 and he was 18—a high-profile match that drew intense media scrutiny, amplifying Conor’s already significant public profile.
Key Moments in the Spotlight
- 2012: Death of Conor’s mother, Mary Richardson Kennedy
- 2012: Brief, high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift
- 2023: Engagement to Brazilian singer Giulia Be, indicating a new and perhaps more private chapter in his personal life
Personal Life and Relationships
While his romance with Taylor Swift might be the most publicized aspect of his private life, Conor’s personal journey has included both moments of heartbreak and newfound happiness. In 2023, following his graduation from Georgetown, Conor became engaged to Giulia Be, a Brazilian singer-songwriter with an international following.
| Relationship | Dates | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor Swift | 2012 | Weekend trips to Hyannis Port; subject of intense tabloid coverage |
| Giulia Be | Engaged in 2023 | Brazilian singer-songwriter, relationship largely out of the press |
The Kennedy Family: Siblings and Notable Relatives
Conor Kennedy is the eldest of three siblings from his parents’ marriage. His sister, Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, born August 22, 1995, is known as a New York socialite and fashion influencer, while his brother, William Finbar “Finn” Kennedy, born November 8, 1997, keeps a markedly lower profile and is not publicly active on social media.
Other Kennedy cousins span politics, media, sports, and philanthropy, indicating the broad impact and interests of this enduring family.
- Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy: NYC socialite, notable for her debut at the Bal des Débutantes
- William Finbar “Finn” Kennedy: Maintains a low profile, not active on public social media
Conor Kennedy’s Legacy: Modern Kennedy Values
Though still young, Conor Kennedy’s path combines the public service ethos of his ancestors with a willingness to challenge himself in novel ways. Whether advancing consumer protection as an attorney, braving combat in Ukraine, or quietly defending his friends against injustice, Conor’s journey is marked by the hallmarks of courage, independence, and a profound sense of responsibility.
In a family renowned for public achievements as much as personal hardship, Conor is carving a profile defined by resilience, commitment to others, and a modern interpretation of the Kennedy legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are Conor Kennedy’s parents?
Conor’s parents are Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the late Mary Richardson Kennedy.
What is Conor Kennedy’s educational background?
He studied History & Literature at Harvard University and graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 2023.
What does Conor Kennedy do for a living?
He works as an attorney at Wisner Baum in Los Angeles, focusing on consumer justice and major pharmaceutical litigation.
What is Conor Kennedy best known for?
He is best known as RFK Jr.’s son, his relationship with Taylor Swift, and his activism, including volunteering in Ukraine.
Did Conor Kennedy serve in the military?
He is not a career military officer, but in 2022 he volunteered to serve with the Ukrainian military during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Who is Conor Kennedy engaged to?
In 2023, Conor Kennedy got engaged to Giulia Be, a Brazilian pop singer.
What was the family tragedy Conor Kennedy faced?
His mother, Mary Richardson Kennedy, died by suicide in 2012, an event that deeply affected him and his family.
Key Facts: Quick Reference Table
| Full Name | Conor Richardson Kennedy |
|---|---|
| Born | July 25, 1994 |
| Parents | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. & Mary Richardson Kennedy |
| Education | Harvard University; Georgetown University Law Center |
| Profession | Attorney (Wisner Baum) |
| Major Public Attention | Death of mother (2012), dating Taylor Swift (2012), activism/volunteering in Ukraine (2022) |
| Siblings | Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, William Finbar Kennedy |
| Current Partner | Engaged to Giulia Be (as of 2023) |
Legacy and Looking Ahead
As Conor Kennedy charts his course both personally and professionally, he embodies a new generation of Kennedys—people marked not just by the legacy of their name, but by their willingness to engage directly with the complex realities of the modern world. Through his varied experiences—tragedy, legal advocacy, activism, and service—Conor Kennedy stands as a reminder that enduring ideals can find new forms in every era.
References
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
