Backlash and Reflection: Julia Fox Defends Her Jackie Kennedy Halloween Look

As the backlash intensified, Julia Fox addressed the controversy directly through Instagram, offering an explanation for her creative intent. She clarified that the look was “not a costume, but a statement.” In her post, Fox explained that she wished to honor Jacqueline Kennedy’s strength rather than exploit her suffering.
“The image of the delicate pink suit splattered with blood is one of the most haunting juxtapositions in modern history — beauty and horror, poise and devastation,” she wrote. Fox described the look as an artistic exploration of trauma and femininity, calling Jackie Kennedy’s composure in tragedy “performance, protest, and mourning all at once.” She ended her message with the tribute: “Long live Jackie O.”
Despite her explanation, public criticism continued. Among the most vocal responses came from Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, who denounced the outfit as “disgusting, desperate, and dangerous.” He stated that his late grandmother would have been deeply offended by the recreation of such a painful moment.
The real pink suit, preserved by the U.S. National Archives, has never been cleaned. Jacqueline Kennedy wore it home from Dallas, refusing to hide the evidence of the tragedy as an act of defiance and grief. The suit remains sealed from public view until at least 2103, symbolizing both private mourning and national history.
Historians often describe the garment as one of the most powerful artifacts of the 20th century — a testament to endurance amid loss. Fox’s reinterpretation, whether viewed as art or misjudgment, reignited discussion about how society memorializes trauma through fashion and media.
In the end, her Halloween appearance became more than a viral moment; it became a reflection of how far creative expression can go before crossing into controversy. The debate surrounding her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy’s tragedy continues to test the boundaries between respect, remembrance, and artistic freedom.