Cheryl Hines, the actress wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has broken her silence on his alleged sexting scandal with journalist Olivia Nuzzi, dismissing the affair as ‘chaos and rumors’ in a recent podcast interview where she took a subtle jab at Nuzzi’s credibility.
In a sneak peek of her appearance on ‘The Katie Miller Podcast,’ obtained by Politico Playbook, Hines addressed the long-rumored scandal for the first time, emphasizing her trust in her husband and downplaying the allegations. She stated, ‘I think you always have to consider the source, right? So that’s where I start,’ directly referencing Nuzzi before concluding that it ends with a conversation with ‘Bobby.’ This marked a candid moment for Hines, who has largely avoided public discussion of the issue until now.
Hines described the past year-and-a-half as an ‘exhausting’ period filled with headlines, rumors, and chaos, particularly during Kennedy’s presidential campaign. She acknowledged that Nuzzi’s claims added to this turmoil, but she viewed them as part of the noise rather than a substantive issue, saying, ‘It was a lot.’ The comments reflect her strategy of focusing on positive aspects of her life rather than getting drawn into negative speculation.
The scandal originated in September 2024 when Nuzzi, then a writer for New York Magazine, alleged that her communications with Kennedy had become ‘personal,’ with subsequent reports suggesting they involved sexting. At the time, Kennedy’s spokesperson denied any inappropriate behavior, characterizing it as a single interview that resulted in a ‘hit piece.’ Nuzzi lost her job and her fiancé over the allegations, adding to the drama surrounding the incident.
Hines questioned Nuzzi’s intentions in reviving the story, noting that she doesn’t know the journalist and implying that motives might be questionable. ‘I don’t know this person. Don’t know their intentions. I could guess, but I won’t. But you can if you want,’ she said, leaving the interpretation open to listeners. This skepticism aligns with her broader approach of dismissing rumors as unworthy of serious attention.
Despite initial shock and distress, as reported by sources close to the couple, Hines ultimately believed Kennedy’s denial and stood by him. She highlighted their strong relationship, stating that they talk about everything and trust each other, which has helped them move past the rumors. Her emphasis on friendship and trust underscores the resilience of their marriage amid public scrutiny.
The timing of Hines’ comments coincides with Nuzzi’s upcoming memoir, ‘American Canto,’ which is expected to detail the alleged affair, adding a layer of publicity to the ongoing drama. Meanwhile, Hines is promoting her own memoir, ‘Unscripted,’ set for release in November, which may provide further insights into their marriage. This parallel storytelling highlights how personal narratives are leveraged in the media landscape.
This public address marks a shift from Hines’ previous avoidance of the topic; in an August interview with the Wall Street Journal, she skirted direct discussion, emphasizing the importance of staying in ‘high vibrations’ rather than engaging with negativity. Her candid remarks now suggest a calculated move to address the scandal head-on while reinforcing her support for Kennedy. As the couple navigates the fallout, Hines’ dismissal of the scandal as mere rumor underscores her commitment to their marriage and her focus on positive aspects of their life together, illustrating the challenges public figures face in balancing personal integrity with media narratives.