RFK Jr. Battles Lawsuit Over Fake New York Residency Claim

RFK Jr. Fights Residency Lawsuit: A Presidential Hopeful's Strange Tale

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate, found himself in an Albany court on Monday battling a lawsuit alleging that he falsely claimed to live in New York. The lawsuit, filed by a super PAC supporting President Biden, aims to invalidate Kennedy's New York nominating petition based on his residency claims.

The complaint alleges that Kennedy listed a home in Katonah, a wealthy Westchester County hamlet, as his residence despite living in Los Angeles since 2014.

Kennedy's lawyers argue that while he may have temporarily relocated to California with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, he has always maintained a “continuing connection” to the Katonah area, even keeping his falcons in New York.

The lawsuit claims Kennedy has no written lease for the Katonah house and has spent little time there. His lawyers counter that he has been renting the house, receiving mail, and using the address on his driver’s license since March 2023.

The case will be decided by a judge, not a jury, and Kennedy is expected to testify later this week.

The lawsuit is just one of the challenges Kennedy faces as he campaigns for president. He's currently averaging 5.5% in presidential polls, far behind former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

A Bizarre Bear Story

Adding to the unconventional nature of Kennedy's candidacy, he revealed a strange tale just a day before the court appearance. During a 2014 falconing trip in Goshen, New York, he found a black bear struck by a car. Intending to skin it and refrigerate the meat, Kennedy ultimately decided to dump the bear in Central Park after the falconing trip ran late. The incident made headlines at the time and prompted an investigation by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, though Kennedy won't face charges as the statute of limitations has expired.

Kennedy's residency case and his bizarre bear story highlight the unusual path he's taken in his bid for the White House.