Cheryl Hines Fires Back: Battling Public Backlash on The View

Cheryl Hines Spills Tea on Dealing with Backlash Over Her Husband RFK Jr.'s Politics

In a candid conversation on the popular podcast, Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain, actress Cheryl Hines, 60, opened up about navigating the harsh criticism that comes with being married to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the anti-vaxxer and environmental activist who's been making headlines for his unapologetic views.

Just one day after going head-to-head with Sunny Hostin on The View, where she defended her husband's credentials as a health expert, Cheryl dished about how she deals with the hate mail and online trolls that come with being in the public eye. And let's just say, she's got some choice words for those who dare to criticize RFK Jr.

"I've learned to block out the noise," Cheryl said matter-of-factly on Citizen McCain. "I mean, no matter what you do or who you are, there will always be people who don't like you. It's just a fact of life." She laughed wryly, recalling her early days as an actress. "Even being an actress, you can be the nicest person in the world, and someone out there will still think you're ugly or terrible."

But it's not just Cheryl who faces criticism - her husband RFK Jr. has been at the receiving end of some seriously nasty backlash over his views on vaccination and environmental issues. And Cheryl was unapologetic about standing by him, even when others aren't so kind.

"It is odd to me that people feel okay with yelling at Bobby in public," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I mean, yes, we're in the public eye, but that doesn't give anyone the right to be abusive or rude." She went on to say that for every person who yells at RFK Jr., there are probably a thousand more who come up to him and express their admiration.

Cheryl also credited her family - including her seven children from previous marriages - with being incredibly supportive of her husband's work. "They love Bobby, and my kids have been amazing through all of this," she said, beaming with pride. "It's actually brought us closer together as a family."

But the real tea was spilled when Cheryl talked about her recent appearance on The View, where she got into a heated exchange with co-host Sunny Hostin over RFK Jr.'s qualifications to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

Sunny had pointed out that RFK Jr. has no medical background, and Cheryl shot back that he's actually dedicated his career to exposing the dangers of toxins in our environment - including his high-profile lawsuits against Monsanto and Dupont.

But Sunny wasn't having it, retorting that RFK Jr.'s lack of credentials makes him "the least qualified Department of Health and Human Services head we've had in history." Cheryl fired back that RFK Jr. has spent years studying toxins and advocating for public health, but Sunny wouldn't let up.

"He's spread a lot of misinformation, chaos, and confusion," she said, to applause from the audience. "And I think it's just a very dangerous thing." Cheryl tried to defend her husband, but it was clear that she was frustrated by Sunny's persistence.

As for RFK Jr.'s views on vaccination, which have been widely criticized as spreading misinformation and contributing to the rise of vaccine hesitancy, Cheryl seemed to shrug them off. "Listen, we all have different views here," she said, before Sunny jumped in with a zinger about RFK Jr. connecting circumcision to autism.

Cheryl snapped at Sunny to let her finish speaking, but it was clear that the tension between the two women was palpable.

Despite the drama, Cheryl seemed unphased by the criticism, and even managed to laugh off the whole ordeal. "It's just part of being in the public eye," she said with a shrug. But for those who know her, it's clear that Cheryl is more than just a witty one-liner - she's a woman who's standing up for what she believes in, no matter what others think.

And as for RFK Jr.? Well, let's just say he's still got his fair share of haters out there. But with a wife like Cheryl by his side, it's clear that he's not going anywhere anytime soon.