Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines made an appearance at the Al Smith charity dinner, their first official event since rumors of RFK Jr.’s sexting affair with Olivia Nuzzi surfaced.
The mood seemed a bit tense between them, contrasting sharply with the love they displayed just days earlier at their family compound, where they gathered after the passing of Kennedy’s mother, Ethel.
Fashion Statements and Public Appearances
Hines turned heads in a figure-hugging, sparkly gold dress that featured a bateau neckline, long sleeves, and a stylish cold shoulder.
Kennedy, on the other hand, looked sharp in a classic tuxedo.
It was also noticeable that Hines wore her wedding ring, hinting at the complexities in their relationship.
The couple wasn’t alone at the gala; they shared the spotlight with Donald and Melania Trump, who also made a rare joint appearance at the New York City event.
This white tie dinner, known for raising millions for Catholic charities, is a longstanding tradition where candidates from both sides of the political spectrum get a chance to exchange light-hearted jabs and showcase a united front, at least for one night during the hectic election season.
A Shared Grief
The recent loss of matriarch Ethel Kennedy, who passed away last week at 96, seemed to ease any underlying tension between Hines and Kennedy, especially in light of the allegations against him.
Rumors had circulated that Hines might seek a divorce after reports of his alleged sexting relationship with Nuzzi, a suspended reporter for New York magazine.
Despite the chatter about their strained relationship, the couple was spotted grabbing coffee together last week, even though it was reported that they hadn’t spoken much since the affair allegations emerged.
Allegations and Legal Battles
Olivia Nuzzi, the 31-year-old political correspondent who had reportedly been involved with Kennedy, confirmed the sexting allegations while covering his campaign.
Meanwhile, Kennedy, who has since suspended his independent presidential bid to support Donald Trump, claimed that he and Nuzzi had only met once for an interview.
In a troubling twist, Nuzzi’s ex-fiancé, Ryan Lizza, is currently on leave following shocking court filings in which he accused her of blackmail regarding their past relationship.
Lizza alleged in court that he had been threatened by Nuzzi, who claimed he would disclose personal information to ruin her life and career.
Explosive Claims and Denials
Lizza made serious accusations in court, stating that Kennedy sought to “possess,” “control,” and even “impregnate” Nuzzi, vehemently denying the blackmail claims.
He insisted that he had never hacked any of her devices and learned about the affair through conversations with her.
Lizza went on to reveal that Nuzzi had confided in him about feeling manipulated in her relationship with Kennedy, describing it as “toxic” and “unhealthy.”
In his court documents, Lizza also noted that Nuzzi’s actions were primarily responsible for the public humiliation and damage to her professional reputation.
He described the allegations against him as a “disgraceful lie” and firmly denied any threats of physical violence.
Moving Forward
Interestingly, Lizza mentioned that he had advised Nuzzi to repay the couple’s book advance, noting that her personal choices had derailed their book project during two consecutive presidential cycles.
He concluded that instead of being a victim, he felt harassed by Nuzzi’s accusations.
The couple was supposed to appear before a judge in Washington, D.C., regarding a no-contact order that had been placed on Lizza.
However, the hearing did not proceed as expected, and it was revealed that both parties were in negotiations, working with a court mediator to resolve the issues at hand.
While Lizza logged in for the hearing, he and Nuzzi kept their identities hidden from view, indicating a desire for privacy amid the ongoing dispute.
The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the no-contact order will be renewed or dismissed, and for now, both parties are trying to find a path forward.