In a striking revelation, comedian Tig Notaro has publicly distanced herself from actress Cheryl Hines, whose marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has raised eyebrows in their Hollywood friend group. During a recent appearance on the podcast Breaking Bread With Tom Papa, Notaro shared her feelings about stepping back from their friendship, which she attributes to Kennedy’s controversial beliefs and political stance.
Notaro reminisced fondly about her friendship with Hines, describing them as two individuals who made each other laugh exceptionally hard. However, upon Kennedy’s announcement of his presidential run in 2023, Notaro felt compelled to reassess their relationship. She expressed concern over the growing prominence of Kennedy’s beliefs, which have historically included widely discredited anti-vaccine rhetoric. This follows a troubling pattern, as Kennedy has previously faced backlash for comparing vaccine harm to the Holocaust, leading to significant controversy.
Hines, who gained fame for her role in Curb Your Enthusiasm, has transitioned her public persona to align more closely with her husband’s views. Although she was once a registered Democrat, this year, she has openly supported Kennedy’s ideologies, even repeating some of his anti-vaccine arguments on The View. Notaro’s commentary underscores a broader unease about the intertwining of personal relationships and polarizing political ideals, particularly when it involves significant health issues.
Reflecting on her experiences, Notaro stated, “It’s a hard pass,” indicating her discomfort with aligning herself with beliefs she finds troubling. As she navigates her own priorities in friendships, she emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with those who bring her joy, leaving Hines to forge new connections in a social circle that now values a different narrative.
While the friendship may have faded, this situation highlights the impact of political affiliations on personal relationships and sheds light on the evolving nature of public figures as they align with controversial stances.