Tig Notaro Opens Up About Friendship Breakup with Cheryl Hines Over RFK Jr's Politics
Comedian Tig Notaro has publicly discussed her decision to end her longstanding friendship with actress Cheryl Hines, citing the divisive political views of Hines' husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the primary reason. The two previously co-hosted the podcast Tig & Cheryl: True Story from 2020 to 2023, but Notaro stepped away due to Kennedy's MAGA-aligned platform.
Podcast Partnership and Political Tensions
Notaro, 54, and Hines, 60, enjoyed a close friendship that predated Kennedy's involvement, with their podcast focusing on documentary discussions often laced with personal anecdotes and humor. However, during their collaboration, Kennedy, 72, launched a presidential campaign that he later suspended before endorsing Donald Trump, gaining significant public attention.
In a recent episode of MS NOW's The Best People with Nicolle Wallace podcast, Notaro revealed that while working with Hines brought her some of the deepest, hardest laughs, she felt compelled to quit the podcast. My friendship with her predated Bobby, Notaro said, and there were things that he thought and felt that I didn't agree with, but he didn't have the platform he got during the pandemic.
Career Impact and Confrontation
The situation escalated when audience members began interrupting Notaro's stand-up shows to yell comments like Bobby is crazy. This prompted Notaro to confront Hines about how Kennedy's divisive platform was affecting her career. I was telling Cheryl, '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,' Notaro explained.
Hines reportedly understood Notaro's concerns but wanted to continue the podcast, leading Notaro to step away despite her deep affection for Hines. I loved her so much, Notaro clarified, emphasizing that her decision was not a sudden abandonment.
Attempts at Reconciliation and Acceptance
After distancing herself publicly, Notaro continued to reach out to Hines with love and support, uncertain of what was happening behind closed doors. And she would respond very pleasantly, Notaro noted, but then I realized one day, she doesn't ever reach out to me anymore. She responds to me, but she doesn't reach out to me.
This realization forced Notaro to accept that the friendship had ended. I had to shake myself out of denial that, 'Oh, she's gone,' and, 'OK, I need to let this go. I need to let it go,' she said. Notaro addressed claims that she dumped Hines and left her in the dust because of Bobby, explaining she was trying to be a friend despite the podcast's discontinuation.
Broader Fallout and Industry Reactions
The fallout extends beyond Notaro, as Hines' marriage to Kennedy has also strained her relationship with Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David. The two have not spoken since the sitcom ended in 2024, with Hines speculating that David might be upset due to Kennedy's political affiliations. I think he's mad, Hines told NewsNation, because Bobby's in the administration.
However, Hines downplayed the severity, noting their lack of closeness outside work. It's not like Larry and I used to play pickleball and we don't now, she said, suggesting things would likely be fine between them. Hines and Kennedy have been married since 2014, with their union becoming a focal point in these personal and professional rifts.
Notaro reflected on the emotional toll, stating, It's been very strange, and I think I've moved past the confusion and sadness. The Independent has reached out to Hines' representative for comment, highlighting the ongoing public interest in this celebrity friendship breakup driven by political divides.
