Robert F. Kennedy Jr. finds himself at the center of a personal and public scandal as his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, is reportedly contemplating divorce after allegations of an affair between Kennedy and journalist Olivia Nuzzi surfaced. The turmoil, which has reportedly left Hines feeling humiliated, has thrown their marriage into a state of uncertainty, with Kennedy allegedly pleading with his wife not to end their nearly decade-long union.
According to sources close to the couple, Hines, best known for her role in the TV series "Curb Your Enthusiasm," is seriously considering taking legal steps to end her marriage to Kennedy. "She's been talking about filing for divorce, but he's begging her not to file," a source revealed, as reported by People. The news of Kennedy's alleged emotional relationship with Nuzzi, a political journalist, has been described as deeply "embarrassing" for Hines, with those close to her rallying in support. "Everyone's on her side, of course," the source added.
The controversy erupted when Nuzzi, who gained recognition for her political reporting, admitted to having a "personal relationship" with Kennedy while covering his presidential campaign. She clarified in a statement that the connection was never physical but acknowledged that it should have been disclosed to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest. "The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict," Nuzzi stated, expressing regret over the situation. Despite her admission, Kennedy's representatives have denied the affair, stating that the two only met once for a professional interview.
Hines, 59, who married Kennedy in 2014 after being introduced by her "Curb Your Enthusiasm" co-star Larry David, is reportedly grappling with the public scrutiny and fallout from the scandal. The couple was recently spotted together in Malibu, California, marking their first appearance since the allegations became public. Observers noted a visible tension between them, with Hines notably not wearing her wedding ring, which further fueled speculation about the state of their relationship.
The couple's encounter in Malibu, where they were seen at a Starbucks, seemed far from a reconciliation, with insiders describing the situation as strained. "Things seem pretty tense between them," a source told People, adding that while they are spending time together, communication between them has reportedly been minimal since the scandal broke.
Kennedy's alleged affair with Nuzzi has not only affected his personal life but has also cast a shadow over Nuzzi's professional career. Following the revelations, the New Yorker magazine, where Nuzzi was employed, placed her on leave, citing her failure to disclose the nature of her relationship with a subject she had covered in her reporting. "Had the magazine been aware of this relationship, she would not have continued to cover the presidential campaign," the publication said in a statement, noting that an internal review had found no inaccuracies in her work despite the personal entanglement.
The situation has put Kennedy, who has a history of political controversies and legal troubles, under increased public scrutiny. His professional life has already been marred by numerous challenges, including disbarment and failed legal battles, which now seem to compound his personal issues. The alleged affair has intensified the focus on Kennedy's conduct, with many questioning his judgment and the impact this scandal might have on his already turbulent political career.
Hines, meanwhile, is said to be weighing her options carefully. Although she has not yet publicly addressed the rumors of her husband's infidelity, those close to her indicate that the actress is deeply hurt by the betrayal. "How many times can you forgive a partner that's dishonest and goes behind your back?" the insider questioned, highlighting the strain the affair has placed on their relationship.
The scandal has also led to broader conversations about the challenges public figures face when their private lives become fodder for public debate. Hines, who has maintained a relatively low-profile personal life despite her celebrity status, now finds herself in an unwelcome spotlight, grappling with the implications of her husband's actions.
