The revelation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s alleged personal relationship with a journalist has significantly strained his marriage with actress Cheryl Hines.
This affair has embroiled their personal and professional lives in a whirlwind of media scrutiny and public speculation, PEOPLE reported.
According to sources, Hines and Kennedy have communicated minimally in the aftermath of the scandal's public disclosure. Feelings of embarrassment have plagued Hines, especially due to the nature of Kennedy’s exposure. This situation has brought unwanted attention to their personal lives, spotlighting their actions and appearances at public events.
Following the scandal, Hines was spotted without her wedding ring at a fashion event, subtly hinting at the turmoil underlying her public appearances. Despite the personal challenges, she maintained a professional demeanor, accompanying her daughters to Milan Fashion Week on September 21, where they supported Kennedy's daughter at the Gucci show.
On the same day, Hines celebrated her birthday with her daughters, sharing a personal moment amid the ongoing public scrutiny. The trip continued into the Paris Fashion Week, where Hines was seen wearing a significantly smaller ring on September 26, further fueling speculations about the status of her marriage.
The core of the scandal unfolded when Olivia Nuzzi, a New York magazine reporter, was placed on leave following revelations about her non-physical but personal relationship with Kennedy. Nuzzi herself admitted that the relationship should have been disclosed to her superiors to prevent any conflicts of interest, acknowledging the oversight in maintaining professional boundaries.
As the relationship came to light, it caused a significant distraction for Kennedy, especially during a pivotal moment in his career. On March 26, 2024, Kennedy, amidst the unfolding scandal, announced Nicole Shanahan as his running mate during a campaign event in Oakland, a decision overshadowed by his controversies.
PEOPLE magazine reached out to representatives of both Hines and Kennedy for comments, aiming to gauge their personal and professional responses to the ongoing controversy. The situation also involves accusations from Nuzzi against her ex-fiancé, Ryan Lizza, claiming he threatened to ruin her life, which he has denied.
Despite the strain, Hines has attempted to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Sources noted she was in good spirits while attending the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" table with co-star Jeff Garlin before the scandal broke. Her composure contrasts sharply with the private challenges she is facing behind closed doors.
The effects of the scandal ripple beyond the immediate parties involved to their extended family. Hines' involvement in public events, while her personal life is subjected to such scrutiny, highlights her strength in managing public perceptions while dealing with private issues.
The unfolding events will likely continue to attract media attention as developments occur in Kennedy’s professional sphere and personal relations. Public figures maintaining a brave face in times of personal crises resonate with spectators, adding layers of human complexity to their public personas.
In moving forward, the public's focus will likely remain on Hines and Kennedy’s next steps as they navigate the outcomes of the affair allegations and their respective professional commitments. The developments in this story will perhaps provide insights into the balancing act that public figures must perform at the intersection of their personal integrity and public expectations.
