Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested a rather drastic and unusual plan of a “fake separation” to his wife, Cheryl Hines, as a way to handle the fallout from reports about his sexting scandal with journalist Olivia Nuzzi.
The 60-year-old Emmy-winning actress shared that Kennedy, 71, hoped to protect her from the negative attention surrounding their marriage as he pursued his 2024 presidential campaign.
During this period, Kennedy was also linked to a controversy involving 32-year-old New York Magazine reporter Nuzzi, after it was revealed that they had developed an “emotional involvement” while she covered his campaign.
In her memoir, “Unscripted,” the Curb Your Enthusiasm star reflects on how her husband’s presidential bid impacted their relationship. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Hines described Kennedy’s idea as “a very sweet notion,” but ultimately not a helpful one.
“To consider saying, ‘Maybe we should just say we’re not together anymore, and our lives would be easier’… that’s quite dramatic and extreme,” she explained.
“Things became intense during this presidential campaign. Some people were upset that I was even married to Bobby,” she added.
‘They were vocally coming at me because I’m married to Bobby. So Bobby felt, ”You shouldn’t be having to take that heat. So why don’t we just say we’re separated?”’
Hines said the offer came from a place of concern, and ultimately brought them closer together.
Hines said the offer came from a place of concern, and ultimately brought them closer together
At the time, he was embroiled in a scandal with 32-year-old New York Magazine reporter Nuzzi after it emerged the pair became ’emotionally involved’ while she was writing a feature on his campaign
‘You’re in these unique situations that nobody else can imagine,’ she said.
Kennedy denied any inappropriate relationship at the height of the scandal – claiming he met Nuzzi only once during an interview – but sources described the connection as ’emotional and digital in nature, not physical.’
An internal investigation by New York Magazine found ‘no inaccuracies nor evidence of bias’ in Nuzzi’s reporting on Kennedy, but the controversy nevertheless resulted in her departure from the publication.
Nuzzi’s forthcoming memoir ‘American Canto’ is set to delve into the texting scandal, which ultimately ended her relationship with her ex-fiancée Ryan Lizza.
Hines, meanwhile, stood by Kennedy during the scandal, appearing with him at major events and refusing to comment at the time.
She reportedly declined to live in a Georgetown home the couple purchased, citing discomfort with the political spotlight.
When she was then asked about the rumors over the affair later on, Hines said she was not concerned.
‘I’m OK to have conversations like that with people and, to me, it doesn’t define somebody. To some people it does and it’s like you can’t control it. There’s nothing I can do about it, so I have to let it wash over me.’
Kennedy went on to drop out of the presidential race and endorse Donald Trump, going on to land the role as Health Secretary in the Trump administration
Nuzzi’s forthcoming memoir ‘American Canto’ is set to delve into the texting scandal, which ultimately ended her relationship with her ex-fiancée Ryan Lizza
Hines said she was also living in fear for Kennedy’s safety during his campaign, given his father was assassinated while running for president, and his uncle was assassinated while serving as president.
‘I was very fearful for his safety,’ she said. ‘It was very stressful. For good reason.’
Kennedy went on to drop out of the presidential race and endorse Trump, going on to land the role as Health Secretary in the administration.
He has faced intense scrutiny in the role for his controversial opinions on vaccinations and his efforts to clear out the department.
Kennedy and Hines were praised last week after they were spotted flying economy on a commercial flight, despite his high profile government role.
Her latest comments come a week after she went head-to-head with The View’s Sunny Hostin over her husband’s capacity to serve as Health Secretary.
The Emmy award winning actress, 60, revealed Kennedy, 71, wanted to shield her from any fallout relating to their marriage while he was campaigning for the presidential race in 2024
Hines was a guest on Tuesday’s episode of the ABC talk show and was grilled about Kennedy’s lack of a medical background.
‘He has dedicated his career to suing big corporations because of toxins that have been affecting people’s health,’ she said.
Hines married Kennedy in 2014 after going public with their relationship in October 2011.
Together, they have seven children from previous marriages.
Hines’ book, Unscripted, is due to be released on November 11.
