Sheryl Hines expressed her disappointment regarding Welfare Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s conflicts with family members, particularly over what she considers unwarranted public criticisms from those who are supposed to be close to him.
“It was tough. I found it tough,” Hines said during a CBS Morning interview with Natalie Morales. For the actress, seeing the rift within her husband’s family, especially over political issues, has been particularly challenging.
“I always thought that one of the Kennedy virtues was to put family first, and I really admired that,” she reflected.
Hines, who has been married to Kennedy since 2014, noted that it’s disappointing when relatives attack each other in public.
Kennedy, who is running for the presidency in 2024, has received criticism from several family members, including Caroline Kennedy. She voiced strong opposition to his vaccine skepticism, labeling it “dangerous.”
“Our family is united in terms of the public health sector and support for the infrastructure,” she explained, emphasizing that their respect for healthcare workers starkly contrasts with Bobby Kennedy’s stance.
President Kennedy is slated to appear at an event in Washington alongside his cousin, former House Representative Patrick Kennedy.
In a notable reaction, four family members, including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Joseph Kennedy II, publicly condemned RFK Jr.’s presidential bid in a signed letter.
“Bobby shares our father’s name, but he does not share his values, vision, or judgment… We denounce his candidacy and see it as dangerous for our country,” a family member stated.
Hines also mentioned that Ethel Kennedy, her spouse’s mother, was caught off guard by the familial tensions. “When Bobby told her he was running for president, she was proud but also asked, ‘Who is helping you with your campaign?'” Hines recounted.
She noted that the political landscape has created strains not just within family ties but also among her friendships. “I have a few friends, but it’s really been hard to maintain those connections since Bobby entered politics,” she shared.
When quizzed about how Kennedy views Trump’s role in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Hines laughed it off, saying, “That’s a question for Larry.” However, she added, “Honestly, I think David, who introduced me to Kennedy, probably isn’t thrilled about it.”
