Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emerged together recently in Malibu, marking their first public appearance since allegations of infidelity involving Kennedy gained media attention. Exclusive images captured by Page Six show the couple enjoying an ordinary outing, which included a stop at Starbucks. Hines opted for a relaxed ensemble, sporting a simple black t-shirt and jeans, notably sans her wedding ring. This absence could symbolize deeper turmoil in their relationship, sparking speculation regarding the couple’s dynamic amidst the scandal.
The controversy surrounding Kennedy began to unfold when it was reported that he allegedly engaged in an affair with journalist Olivia Nuzzi, following her coverage of him in a November article for New York Magazine. As the details of the alleged affair circulated, more women stepped forward, each claiming to have had romantic interactions with Kennedy over the past year. These encounters reportedly occurred in the context of his anti-vaccine organization, Children’s Health Defense. The cumulative revelations have undoubtedly placed Hines in a precarious situation, leading to a mélange of emotions and public scrutiny.
Sources close to Hines suggest that the actress is experiencing significant embarrassment—not necessarily due to the affair itself, but rather because of the public exposure of Kennedy’s actions. An insider indicated that Hines’s feelings are more tied to the fallout of being associated with a scandal than to the personal betrayal. The alleged cheating has allegedly strained their communication, with claims that the couple “barely spoke” following the initial reveal of Nuzzi’s relationship with Kennedy. Furthermore, sources suggest that there are growing rifts regarding political alignment, with Hines expressing distress over Kennedy’s endorsement of Donald Trump, especially after he withdrew from the 2024 presidential election.
Kennedy’s political moves seem to have compounded the emotional strain on their marriage. Hines, a lifelong Democrat, appears to be grappling not just with the scandal but with her partner’s deviation from her beliefs. Earlier, Kennedy acknowledged that Hines was uncomfortable with his endorsement of Trump, depicting the situation as one of love and support overshadowed by disagreement on fundamental political ideologies. The juxtaposition of their personal and political lives has intensified the pressures on Hines, who may have anticipated the challenges that come with being involved with a Kennedy but perhaps not the added complexity of navigating Trump’s polarizing political landscape.
As the dust of the scandal begins to settle, rumors have intensified regarding Hines’s contemplation of divorce. While many insiders intimate that she was aware of Kennedy’s reputation as a “serial philanderer,” it appears that the broader implications of his actions—coupled with his political alterations—are what truly weigh on her mind. Hines’s journey moving forward remains uncertain, as she confronts the intersection of love, betrayal, and newfound political challenges. Whether reconciliation is possible or if a separation looms remains to be seen, but the events of late have profoundly altered the landscape of their relationship.