Michelle Obama is facing new allegations that she blocked actress Cheryl Hines from appearing in a new Larry David comedy project because of Hines’ connection to the Trump administration through her husband, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
According to the report, Obama insisted Hines not be cast in Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, a seven-part comedy series produced by Higher Ground, the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama. Advertisement The series, created with Larry David to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, premiered June 26.
Hines and David worked together for more than two decades on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, where she portrayed David’s wife throughout the show’s 12-season run. Advertisement Sources told the Daily Mail that Hines hoped the new production would reunite the longtime collaborators.
The claims were first reported by the Daily Mail, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the production
The source added that Hines believed David could separate politics from their longstanding professional relationship.
According to the report, however, Michelle Obama objected to Hines joining the cast because of her ties to Kennedy, who endorsed President Donald Trump and now serves in his Cabinet.
“He always respected her as an actress. But Michelle’s the boss. And you don’t cross the boss.”
“Cheryl felt terribly hurt and emotionally injured because she had worked so closely with Larry for the entire 12 seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm and they had become like bosom buddies,” one source told the outlet
The Daily Mail also quoted another unnamed source who alleged Obama reacted strongly when Hines’ name was suggested during production discussions.
She’s not one of us,’” the source claimed Obama said.
According to the report, the objection centered on Hines’ marriage to Kennedy rather than her acting ability.
“But banning Cheryl was a command from Michelle that Larry could not go against, even if he had wanted to, for old time’s sake, and mend their past close ties,” the source claimed
The source alleged Obama viewed Kennedy as a political “turncoat” after he aligned himself with Trump and accepted a role leading the Department of Health and Human Services.
Advertisement Despite that, the report notes Hines had maintained a close professional relationship with David dating back to Curb Your Enthusiasm.
'Michelle Obama went absolutely ballistic': Insiders claim RFK Jr's wife Cheryl Hines is 'devastated' after first lady launched extraordinary behind-the-scenes attack https://t.co/BclkV0AZq9
— Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) June 29, 2026
Described by many as a “b**ch on wheels,” racial activist MICHELLE OBAMA has used her “political influence” to BAN wife of HHS Secretary RFK, Jr., blonde Cheryl Hines from appearing in Larry David’s new Netflix show.https://t.co/xrQuKqjvDT
— GretchenInOK (@GretchenInOK) July 1, 2026
Michelle Obama 'Bans' Cheryl Hines from Appearing in New Larry David HBO Show Over MAGA Links — Ex-First Lady 'Can Be A B—- on Wheels’ https://t.co/NMLibdm7KK pic.twitter.com/NptMgysitJ
— Radar Online (@radar_online) June 30, 2026
Former President Barack Obama also reportedly makes an on-camera appearance.
“‘We cannot and will not have that woman on this show
Neither Michelle Obama nor Higher Ground has publicly addressed the allegations.
The Daily Mail reported that it contacted representatives for Obama but did not receive a response.