Rory Kennedy shared the following statement — signed by Joseph P. Kennedy II, Courtney Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Christopher G. Kennedy, and Maxwell T. Kennedy — on social media. “As children of Robert F. Kennedy, we are devastated that the man who murdered our father has been recommended for parole. Our father’s death is a very difficult matter for us to discuss publicly and for the past many decades we have declined to engage directly in the parole process,” the post began.

“Given today’s unexpected recommendation by the California parole board after 15 previous decisions to deny release, we feel compelled to make our position clear. We adamantly oppose the parole and release of Sirhan Sirhan and are shocked by a ruling that we believe ignores the standards for parole of a confessed, first-degree murderer in the state of California.” Related ‘The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari’ Trailer: Rory Kennedy Remembers New Zealand Disaster Netflix’s ‘Downfall: The Case Against Boeing’: There’s Good Reason for Fear of Flying Related Oscars 2023: Best Sound Predictions 51 Directors’ Favorite Horror Movies: Bong Joon Ho, Quentin Tarantino, Guillermo del Toro, and More
See the full statement below. Two of Robert F. Kennedy’s surviving children, Douglas and Robert Jr., have publicly supported the release of Sirhan, who says he doesn’t remember carrying out the assassination at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles in 1968. At a virtual hearing (via AP), Douglas, who was a toddler when he was father was killed said, “I’m overwhelmed just by being able to view Mr. Sirhan face to face. I think I’ve lived my life both in fear of him and his name in one way or another. And I am grateful today to see him as a human being worthy of compassion and love.” To Sirhan, he said, “I do have some love for you.” Robert Jr., meanwhile submitted a letter to the parole board on Sirhan’s behalf, stating, “While nobody can speak definitively on behalf of my father, I firmly believe that based on his own consuming commitment to fairness and justice, that he would strongly encourage this board to release Mr. Sirhan because of Sirhan’s impressive record of rehabilitation.”

— Rory Kennedy (@roryekennedy) August 28, 2021 Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.