Future of RFK Jr.'s marriage in question amid rumors of entanglement with journalist

Stories of Kennedy family marital infidelities are nothing new, but recent allegations of an entanglement between former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and journalist Olivia Nuzzi have gained steam in recent days, prompting a host of questions and speculation.

RFK Jr.'s self-admitted struggles with faithfulness have been known for years, and amid the latest rumors of another affair, the future of his marriage to actress Cheryl Hines has become a topic of interest, as the Daly Mail reports.

Scandalous rumors emerge

As the New York Post reports, the gossip mill was working overtime last week when it emerged that New York magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi had been placed on leave after news broke that she had engaged in some sort of personal relationship with someone close to the presidential race – later revealed to be Kennedy.

Though the relationship, which supposedly began after Nuzzi interviewed Kennedy for a political profile piece, did not turn physical, it reportedly involved text messages of an intimate nature.

Kennedy, married for 10 years to Curb Your Enthusiasm star Cheryl Hines, has had a colorful history with regard to extramarital affairs, with the former Democrat reportedly having kept a list of 43 paramours in his personal phone.

The political scion's cheating was once so prolific that friends of his second wife, Mary Richardson, indicated their belief that his philandering was a contributing factor in her eventual suicide.

Kennedy himself has acknowledged his difficulties in this regard, writing in 2001 of his battle with what he called “lust demons” and “spiritual struggles.”

Marital future unclear

In light of the controversy surrounding Nuzzi, attentions have since turned to Hines' reaction to the situation, with observers wondering whether the pair's marriage will survive.

The Daily Mail noted on Friday that the actress was seen without her wedding ring as she made her way out of a Gucci-hosted event as part of Milan Fashion Week.

Whether anything should be read into Hines' choice of jewelry for the party is something that remains uncertain.

An insider told Page Six about Hines' likely response to any potential infidelity on the part of Kennedy, “I don't imagine her putting up with this. She has a backbone. She's not a little housewife at home. She is successful financially independent on her own.”

Kennedy's camp, for its part, is pushing back on claims that he was involved in any type of inappropriate relationship with Nuzzi, saying that the journalist developed an unhealthy interest in the former candidate that was so troubling he had to block her repeatedly on his phone, as the New York Post noted separately.

Nuzzi's take

Nuzzi's side of the equation has pushed back on that characterization of events, with an insider stating, “It's absolutely untrue that she was the aggressor, but both parties were aware of how high pressure and high risk the circumstances were and for that reason their communication was very on and off.”

Whether there will be any further fallout -- for RFK's marriage or otherwise -- only time will tell.