A source familiar with the couple told the New York Post that they couldn’t imagine Hines tolerating the situation, noting that she has a strong backbone.
“I don’t imagine her putting up with this.She has a backbone. She’s not a little housewife at home. She is financially independent and successful on her own,” the source said.
Kennedy, 70, was reportedly involved in a non-physical, digital relationship with Nuzzi, 31, which began around the start of the year while he was on the campaign trail for his presidential bid. The politician, who recently suspended his campaign, has since aligned with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Hines and Kennedy have been married since 2014 and celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary last month.
“He was on the road a lot this year, so maybe it was different and tested the relationship,” the source added, referring to Kennedy’s campaign.
The source also claimed that the entire Kennedy family has distanced themselves from Robert, saying that his charm has completely faded.
Another source close to Hines and Kennedy expressed doubts about the future of their relationship, saying, as quoted by the New York Post, “I’ll be shocked if Cheryl stays. [Kennedy’s] always been known as a flirt and more, even Cheryl knows that. But it seemed like at least publicly he was faithful [until now]. It’s not good for Cheryl in Hollywood.”
Nuzzi admitted to being involved with Kennedy but clarified that the relationship was never physical. New York Magazine has since placed Nuzzi on leave due to violating their standards on conflicts of interest and disclosures.
“She engaged in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign while she was reporting on it, a violation of the magazine’s standards regarding conflicts of interest and disclosures,” the magazine said.
New York Magazine issued an apology to its readers, stating that while no inaccuracies were found in Nuzzi’s work, they are conducting a third-party investigation into the matter due to concerns about a breach of trust.