Former First Lady Michelle Obama is facing allegations that she blocked actress Cheryl Hines from appearing in comedian Larry David’s new HBO series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary because of Hines’ ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump.
According to an exclusive report from the Daily Mail, anonymous sources close to the production claimed Obama, an executive producer of Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America through Higher Ground Productions, objected to Hines joining the cast.
The seven-episode sketch series, which premiered June 26, was produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground company and features David alongside several former Curb Your Enthusiasm cast members.
Sources told the Daily Mail that Hines, who portrayed Larry David’s wife throughout the long-running HBO comedy, hoped to reunite with the comedian for the new project but was ultimately left out of the cast.
One unnamed source claimed Obama “commanded” that Hines not be included because she is now viewed as “all-MAGA, all-the-time” following Kennedy’s decision to leave the Democratic Party, endorse Trump and serve as secretary of Health and Human Services.
Another anonymous source alleged Obama became “absolutely ballistic” when Hines’ name was raised during casting discussions and quoted her as saying, “We cannot and will not have that woman on this show. She’s not one of us.”
“Michelle can be a b*tch on wheels when she wants to,” another source said.
The Daily Mail reported that Hines was “devastated” after learning she would not be part of the production despite working alongside David for all 12 seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm. According to the report, Hines believed David could set aside political differences and reunite with her professionally.
Hines declined to comment on the allegations through her spokeswoman, according to the Daily Mail. The outlet also reported that representatives for Michelle Obama were contacted for comment but had not responded.
The report further claimed Michelle Obama played an active role in approving cast members, although anonymous sources acknowledged she was less involved in the show’s script and day-to-day production.
David has publicly criticized President Trump in recent years, while both Barack and Michelle Obama have remained outspoken opponents of the president. Kennedy, meanwhile, now serves in the Trump administration after ending his longtime affiliation with the Democratic Party.
The new HBO series includes appearances by several Curb Your Enthusiasm alumni, including Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman and J.B. Smoove, as well as Jerry Seinfeld, Jane Krakowski, Rita Wilson and Gregg Kinnear. Barack Obama also makes a guest appearance.
The production has received mixed reviews since its June debut, with several critics describing it as falling short of the acclaim earned by Curb Your Enthusiasm.
