Cheryl Hines Discusses Kennedy Family Disputes
Actress Cheryl Hines recently opened up about the ongoing tensions within the Kennedy family, expressing disappointment over the conflicts involving her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves as the secretary of Health and Human Services. She described it as “a pity” to witness such public disagreements, especially coming from well-known Democratic figures.
In a recent interview on CBS Morning, Hines shared that she was taken aback by the remarks from some Kennedy family members, suggesting that her husband was under attack from those who embody political elitism.
“To be honest, it’s a shame,” Hines stated, adding, “I always thought one of the virtues of the Kennedy family was that family came first. So it’s hard to see public attacks like this.”
She noted that even her husband’s 96-year-old mother, Ethel Kennedy, was caught off guard by the public criticisms of her son’s political ambitions from his own siblings.
“Bobby was really surprised when his mother told him that some of his brothers were against his campaign,” Hines recalled. “That was a tough moment.”
The divisions seem to arise from RFK Jr.’s shifting political stance; he began his 2024 presidential bid as a Democrat before ultimately running as an independent. His views, particularly on vaccines, have attracted both attention and criticism from various quarters.
Several relatives, including Caroline Kennedy and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, have distanced themselves from him. Earlier this year, they issued a statement, condemning his views as harmful to the country.
Caroline went so far as to label him a “predator” and “hypocrite” in a private letter directed to a senator.
Best known for her role in HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Hines admitted that navigating the complexities of political life alongside family strife is challenging. She mentioned having lost some friends in Hollywood due to her husband’s controversial views but remains unwavering in her support.
“It’s not easy to be married to someone so polarizing,” she acknowledged. “But I understand his heart, and I know what he stands for, and I love him.”
Hines also voiced ongoing concerns for Kennedy’s safety during his campaign, recalling fears that he might fall victim to violence like his father and uncle. She mentioned that during the early days of his campaign, there was a lack of Secret Service protection, a situation that was turned down by the former administration.
“Just like my father and uncle, I worried he would be shot,” she added. “It’s stressful knowing that Bobby didn’t have the protection he needed.”
Though becoming a political spouse was not something she anticipated, Hines expressed no regrets about standing by her husband’s side amid the turmoil.
“Politics exposes you in ways you can’t prepare for,” she reflected. “But what’s truly painful is seeing family members oppose each other publicly, rather than standing united.”
Despite the apparent divides, Hines still holds onto hope for reconciliation, mentioning, “Love runs deep within that family.”
“I’m definitely emotional, and he prefers to focus on facts and research, which can make communication tricky,” she explained. “Bobby and I may have our disagreements, yet we strive to listen to each other.”
