Kennedy Jr. is “begging” his wife Cheryl Hines not to file for divorce in the wake of his alleged “personal affair” with journalist Olivia Nuzzi.
A source close to Hines told PEOPLE exclusively that the alleged relationship between the former presidential candidate and the New York magazine reporter, 31, is “awkward” for her.
“She was very angry about it. “She has a great support team to vent to,” the source says of the actress, explaining that “everyone is on her side, of course.”
The insider adds that The Curb Your Enthusiasm star, 59, is currently considering legal action.
“She’s been talking about filing for divorce, but he’s begging her not to file,” the source tells PEOPLE of the couple. “But how many times can you forgive a partner who is dishonest and ignores your back? It’s just ridiculous behavior from a mature, married man.”
A representative for Heinz had no comment, while a representative for Kennedy did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Cheryl Hines and her husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in January 2024.
Axel / Power Griffin / Movie Magic
News that Hines is considering divorce comes after she and Kennedy, 70, were spotted together for the first time since his alleged affair with Nosy.
Hines and Kennedy were spotted in Malibu, California, on October 5, according to photos published by Page Six.
The actress sat in the passenger seat of the car while Kennedy drove, and they were seen stopping at a Starbucks, according to the outlet.
Another source tells PEOPLE that the couple “spent some time in Los Angeles together this week,” but that “things seem pretty tense” between them.
“Cheryl is without her wedding ring,” the source also adds.
The alleged “affair” between Kennedy and Nuzzi made headlines after New York Magazine published a statement announcing that the journalist had been placed on leave on September 19.
The statement claimed that Nuzzi “admitted” that she “entered into a personal relationship with a former individual connected to the 2024 campaign.”
Olivia Nuzzi.
Paul Morigi/Getty
At the time, Nuzzi said in a statement shared with PEOPLE that “the nature of some of the communications” between her and “one of the previous reports turned personal,” but said she “did not report directly on the topic nor use it as a source.” During that period.
“The relationship was never physical, but should have been disclosed to prevent a conflict from arising,” she added in the statement. “I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those I have disappointed, especially my colleagues in New York,” she added. “.
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Kennedy’s representative addressed the alleged relationship in a statement to The Washington Post, claiming that the former candidate met with the reporter only once for her November 2023 story titled “Mind-Boggling Politics of RFK Jr.’s Spoiler Campaign.”
“Mr. Kennedy had only met Olivia Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which resulted in a successful piece,” the rep told the outlet.
Hines has not publicly addressed her husband’s alleged extramarital affair.
