New York — Journalist Olivia Nuzzi’s upcoming memoir detailing her alleged relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stirred concern and dismay within the household of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. Sources revealed that the couple was caught off guard by the announcement of the book, prompting anxiety over possible revelations that might reignite a previous scandal from last year.
Hines, 60, addressed the situation during a recent podcast appearance, subtly directing her frustrations at Nuzzi while reflecting on the fallout from sexting allegations that surfaced during Kennedy’s 2024 presidential campaign. In discussing the accusations, Hines emphasized the need to analyze the credibility of individuals making claims, hinting at her skepticism about Nuzzi’s motives.
“You always have to consider the source,” Hines said on The Katie Miller Podcast, which aired on October 23. Recalling the chaos that surrounded her husband’s presidential bid, she described the year and a half leading up to the scandal as grueling, filled with speculation and turmoil.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Hines noted the burden of processing both the scandal and personal loss, referencing the recent death of her nephew. She remarked that while the controversy was overwhelming, it ultimately held little weight in the grand scheme of life. Her doubts about Nuzzi’s intentions sparked further intrigue, leaving room for listeners to form their own judgments.
The origins of the controversy date back to September 2024, when Nuzzi, then 32, disclosed that communications with Kennedy had taken on a personal nature while she was covering his campaign. Though she insisted the relationship never crossed physical boundaries, she admitted that her failure to disclose the communications raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, expressing remorse to her colleagues.
Kennedy, now 71, denied any affair, asserting through a spokesperson that he had only met Nuzzi once, during a request for an interview that he described as a hit piece. Despite these claims, reports surfaced of the two engaging in sexting, adding layers of complexity to their interactions.
Complicating matters further, Nuzzi’s ex-fiancé, former Politico journalist Ryan Lizza, alleged in court documents that Kennedy sought to exert control over Nuzzi, describing their relationship in harsh terms. He labeled it toxic and claimed Kennedy manipulated Nuzzi’s vulnerability. In response, Nuzzi accused Lizza of attempting to blackmail her, alleging he leaked personal information in a desperate bid to reconcile.
In the wake of the controversy, Nuzzi was placed on leave from New York magazine, which subsequently commissioned an independent review of her reporting. Though the investigation found no biases or inaccuracies, Nuzzi and the publication parted ways in October 2024. She has since taken up a new role at Vanity Fair as West Coast Editor.
Nuzzi’s memoir, tentatively titled American Canto, is set for a December 2 release and is rumored to include intimate messages from Kennedy, in addition to her decade of political reporting. Associates of the Kennedy household are apprehensive that the book could jeopardize Kennedy’s standing within the Trump administration, given the long history associated with the Kennedy name and allegations of womanizing.
Hines reflected during her podcast appearance on the lessons she learned throughout the campaign, highlighting the efforts some individuals make to create sensational narratives, regardless of their authenticity. For these creators, generating public interest appears to be a measure of success.
As Hines promotes her own forthcoming memoir, Unscripted, scheduled for release just days before Nuzzi’s book, she has maintained that her relationship with Kennedy is built on open communication and trust. The couple has chosen to focus on their bond and move past the turmoil of the past year, emphasizing that they remain committed to each other despite the headlines that once threatened their marriage.