Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kerry Kennedy

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 28, 2025

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Kerry Kennedy.

Mary Kerry Kennedy is an American lawyer, author, and prominent human rights activist. As a member of the Kennedy family, she is the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, and niece to John F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy. She has dedicated her life to advocating for social justice and human rights causes around the world.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2009: Chevron lawsuit advocacy

In 2009, Kerry Kennedy traveled to Ecuador and advocated against Chevron in an article for the Huffington Post regarding the lawsuit against Chevron Corporation for environmental and human health damages.

February 2010: Paid for Chevron lawsuit advocacy

In February 2010, Kerry Kennedy was reportedly paid $50,000 by the plaintiffs' lead American lawyer for her advocacy against Chevron in the environmental lawsuit.

June 2010: Chevron lawsuit advocacy expenses

In June 2010, the plaintiffs' law firm budgeted $10,000 per month for Kerry Kennedy's services, plus $40,000 in expenses for her work on the Chevron lawsuit.

July 13, 2012: Found in car

On the morning of July 13, 2012, Kerry Kennedy was found in her white Lexus. A police report said Kennedy had trouble speaking, was swaying and told an officer that she may have accidentally taken a sleeping pill earlier that day.

July 2012: Car Accident

In July 2012, Kerry Kennedy allegedly sideswiped a tractor trailer on Interstate 684 in Westchester County.

July 17, 2012: Court Appearance

On July 17, 2012, Kerry Kennedy said local hospital tests found no traces of drugs and that her doctor believed she had suffered a seizure.

July 25, 2012: Toxicology Report Filed

On July 25, 2012, a toxicology report was filed which said zolpidem was found in a sample of Kerry Kennedy's blood taken when Kennedy was arrested. Kennedy said she did not remember anything after entering a highway to go to a gym and before she found herself at a traffic light with a police officer at her door.

2012: Advocacy payment made public

In 2012, it was made public that Kerry Kennedy was being paid by the Ecuadorean plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Chevron Corporation, which had not been disclosed previously.

January 23, 2014: Drugged-Driving Case to Move Forward

On January 23, 2014, Judge Robert Neary ruled that the drugged-driving case against Kerry Kennedy would move forward.

February 20, 2014: Jury Selection

On February 20, 2014, jury selection for Kerry Kennedy's trial began. Kennedy was not present, and was instead in Brussels and the Western Sahara conducting human rights advocacy.