JFK: Uncensored

In “The Story Behind A&E;’s ‘Biography’ ” (by Michelle Willens, June 19), your reporter states that “when the Kennedy Library agreed to cooperate on one about Joseph Kennedy, little was said about his relationship with Gloria Swanson or about daughter Rosemary’s lobotomy.” The implication is that the JFK Library exerts influence over producers and writers. This is wrong.

In A&E;’s “Biography” “JFK: A Personal Story,” which I wrote and produced, not only did the library cooperate, but the information about Swanson and the lobotomy were fully covered. Further, the JFK Library is part of the National Archives and is not in the business of shaping anyone’s work.

RHYS THOMAS

Van Nuys