Cheryl Hines questioned about her husband’s supposed online relationship with a journalist.

Cheryl Hines Responds to Allegations of Husband’s Digital Affair

Cheryl Hines, known for her role on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and married to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., addressed the recent allegations regarding her husband’s purported “digital affair” with journalist Olivia Nuzzi during a podcast released on Friday. Hines participated in the Katie Miller Podcast, which will air its full episode next Tuesday. In a snippet from the show, Miller probed Hines on how she handles “rumors and speculation about her marriage.”

“I think you always have to consider the source, right? Start there,” Hines mentioned, elaborating on the nature of these rumors. Nuzzi, currently the editor of Vanity Fair, has recently published a book detailing her alleged emotional and online relationship with Kennedy. This intense scrutiny began in September 2024 when Nuzzi disclosed having an online relationship with Kennedy while she was covering his presidential campaign for New York magazine. She categorized the relationship as “personal,” but insisted it wasn’t physical.

When discussing Nuzzi’s claims, Hines referred to them as “additional confusion and rumors,” particularly during a challenging time as her husband navigated the political landscape. She noted that Kennedy had withdrawn from the race in August, ultimately endorsing Donald Trump.

“I don’t know this person,” Hines stated regarding Nuzzi’s book. “I could speculate, but I won’t. You can if you wish,” she added with a chuckle.

She also reflected on how many individuals seek influence in such scenarios, suggesting that people often aim to be part of a narrative, regardless of whether it’s based on facts. This desire can, unfortunately, lead to the spread of misinformation.

Nuzzi left New York magazine following the backlash created by her revelations, and her engagement to Politico correspondent Ryan Rizza was also cut short.

Close sources indicated that the disclosure of Nuzzi’s book blindsided many around Hines and Kennedy. “Initially, Bobby and Cheryl faced a difficult period when the affair rumors first emerged. There was even a point where divorce seemed a possibility, although they have since reconciled,” a source explained, adding that Hines firmly believed Kennedy’s denial regarding the affair.

Amid increased public attention during Kennedy’s campaign, Hines expressed how it ultimately strengthened their relationship. She mentioned that Kennedy had once suggested pretending to be separated to alleviate marital stress during the campaign, but she disagreed. “It was a very naive idea,” she admitted. “What actually helped was that we grew closer.” Hines finds the entire situation intriguing, noting that it’s an experience few could relate to.