Full Breakdown
Tig Notaro Reflects on Estrangement from Cheryl Hines Amid RFK Jr.'s Presidential Campaign
11/22/2025, 1:34:36 AM
Background of the Friendship
Tig Notaro, a comedian and podcast host, has publicly discussed the end of her friendship with actress Cheryl Hines, which was significantly influenced by Hines' marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Notaro and Hines co-hosted the podcast *Tig & Cheryl: True Story* from 2020 until December 2023. Their friendship, which Notaro described as a "real bright spot" in her life, began before Hines married Kennedy in 2014.
The Core Conflict
The rift between Notaro and Hines emerged as Kennedy announced his presidential campaign in April 2023. Notaro expressed discomfort with Kennedy's political views, which she previously considered minor but felt became more prominent during his campaign. She stated, “There are beliefs that were like a gnat on the arm years ago that were getting further into the spotlight.” Notaro decided to step away from the podcast and the friendship, feeling that she could not support Kennedy's politics.
Communication Breakdown
Notaro recounted a pivotal four-hour conversation with Hines, during which Hines encouraged her to engage with Kennedy about his health policies. Notaro ultimately declined, stating, “I woke up and was like, ‘No thank you.’” Following this conversation, their communication dwindled, with Notaro noting that while she continued to send supportive messages, Hines' responses became increasingly distant.
Hines' Political Alignment
As Kennedy's campaign progressed, Hines became more vocal in her support for his controversial stances, including anti-vaccine rhetoric and claims regarding Tylenol and autism. Notaro observed that Hines was endorsing her husband's politics, which contributed to her decision to distance herself. Notaro remarked, “There’s a lot of issues that I do not believe in, that [Kennedy] is endorsing, that Cheryl is clearly endorsing.”
Official Statements & Responses
In various podcast appearances, Notaro expressed sadness over the estrangement, emphasizing that she did not sever the friendship but felt compelled to draw a line due to their differing political beliefs. She stated, “I care about Cheryl, for sure, that doesn't change,” highlighting the emotional weight of the situation.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Hines have pointed to her increasing alignment with Kennedy's controversial views as a significant factor in the fallout with Notaro. Hines' defense of her husband's policies during public appearances, including on *The View*, has drawn scrutiny and contributed to perceptions of her political stance.
What's Next
As of now, Notaro has indicated that her friendship with Hines is unlikely to be repaired, stating, “It’s hard to pretend like it’s weird that anyone’s confused, because it’s a real about-face.” The ongoing political landscape and Hines' continued support for Kennedy's policies may further entrench the divide between the former friends.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cheryl was one of my favorite friends,” — Tig Notaro
- “There’s a lot of issues that I do not believe in, that [Kennedy] is endorsing, that Cheryl is clearly endorsing,” — Tig Notaro
- “I had a podcast with her, I had a longstanding friendship, she was just a really important person in my life,” — Tig Notaro
- “I care about Cheryl, for sure, that doesn't change,” — Tig Notaro
- “[Cheryl] says, you know, that [she and her husband] don't agree on everything. And I think having such a vague statement — you can choose to think that she really doesn't believe in a lot of what he's doing. But my point is, [my wife] Stephanie and I don't agree on the temperature in our house. But I would not frame it like, 'Stephanie and I don't agree on everything.' It's too vague.” — Tig Notaro, on Hines' statements about political disagreements.
