Full Breakdown
The Fallout Between Tig Notaro and Cheryl Hines: A Political Divide
3/12/2026, 11:53:19 AM
Core Event: Podcast Partnership Ends Amid Political Tensions
The friendship and professional collaboration between comedians Tig Notaro and Cheryl Hines deteriorated following Hines' husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announcing his candidacy for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Notaro, co-host of the podcast *Tig and Cheryl: True Story*, decided to exit the show in May 2023, citing the increasing political visibility surrounding Kennedy as a significant factor. The podcast, which began in 2020 as a lighthearted exploration of documentary films, became untenable for Notaro as Kennedy's political ambitions intensified.
Background & Context: The Rise of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. transitioned from being an environmental activist to a controversial political figure, ultimately endorsing President Donald Trump and being appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services. His shift in political stance, particularly during the pandemic, drew significant public scrutiny and backlash, which began to spill over into Notaro's stand-up performances. Hecklers would disrupt her shows with political comments, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere that contributed to her decision to leave the podcast.
Key Figures: Tig Notaro and Cheryl Hines
- Tig Notaro: A comedian and podcaster known for her unique style and candidness, Notaro's friendship with Hines dates back to the early 2000s. She expressed that her departure from the podcast was not a reflection of her feelings towards Hines but rather a necessity due to the changing political landscape.
- Cheryl Hines: An actress and comedian, Hines has faced challenges in her personal and professional relationships due to her husband's political career. She initially supported Notaro's decision to leave the podcast but later expressed feelings of helplessness regarding their friendship's decline.
Criticism & Opposition: The Impact of Political Differences
Notaro has faced criticism for her decision to step away from the podcast, with some media narratives suggesting she "dumped" Hines due to Kennedy's political affiliations. Notaro refuted these claims, emphasizing her continued support for Hines despite their differing views. Hines, in turn, acknowledged feeling limited in her response to Notaro's departure, highlighting the complexities of maintaining friendships amid political divides.
Official Statements & Responses
Notaro articulated her concerns about the podcast's tone shifting due to Kennedy's political rise, stating, “It was hard to be doing that when he was gaining momentum and speaking.” Hines expressed understanding of Notaro's need for space, stating, “This is what she feels she needs to do for herself.” Both women have indicated that their friendship has changed significantly since the podcast's conclusion.
What's Next: Reflections on Friendship
As of late 2023, *Tig and Cheryl: True Story* ceased production, and both comedians have moved on to new projects. Notaro has reflected on the emotional toll of the fallout, describing it as “very strange” and expressing a desire to let go of the confusion and sadness surrounding their relationship. Hines has also noted the impact of Kennedy's political career on her friendships, revealing that she has lost connections with several friends in Hollywood due to her marriage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was telling Cheryl that I know it’s a small percentage that pushes back online or yells out at shows, but I was like, ‘Man, this is not my world. I don’t do this. I don’t want to be a part of this.’ And she was like, ‘I understand,’ but she wanted to keep doing the podcast. I had to step away, but I loved her so much.” — Tig Notaro
- “When it was feeling a lot for her, there wasn’t much I could do about it other than leave my husband,” — Cheryl Hines
- “It’s been very strange, and I think I’ve moved past the confusion and sadness.” — Tig Notaro
- “This is what she feels she needs to do for herself …” — Cheryl Hines
The fallout between Notaro and Hines serves as a poignant example of how political affiliations can strain personal relationships, particularly in the public eye.
