Bill Maher has aimed at liberal critics after actress Cheryl Hines faced backlash for supporting her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., following his endorsement of Donald Trump.

Although Hines did not personally endorse Trump, her public defense of her husband sparked outrage, particularly from figures in Hollywood, Fox News reported.

During the August 25 episode of his HBO show "Real Time," Maher condemned the criticism targeting Hines, who is best known for her role on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Maher specifically addressed comments made by fellow actor Bradley Whitford, accusing him of "mansplaining" Hines' marital loyalty.

Maher Defends Hines Amid Growing Criticism

The controversy surrounding Hines began when she posted on X (formerly Twitter) on August 23. In her message, she expressed gratitude to the team who supported Kennedy’s now-suspended presidential campaign. She made it clear that, while she did not personally agree with her husband's endorsement of Trump, she supported him out of loyalty.

Kennedy himself explained to TMZ that his wife was acting out of love for him despite disagreeing with his decision to back Trump. "This is the opposite of what she would want to do," Kennedy said, adding that Hines had chosen to stand by him even though she did not encourage his political decision.

Maher pointed out that Hines has long been a beloved figure in Hollywood, noting that Larry David, her co-star on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," once praised her as "the best person I’ve ever met."

Public Figures Target Hines for Supporting Her Husband

Despite her neutral stance on Trump, some left-leaning critics launched attacks on Hines. One of the most vocal critics was Bradley Whitford, known for his role on "The West Wing." In his post on X, Whitford lambasted Hines for what he saw as her silence in the face of her husband’s Trump endorsement, accusing her of failing to take a stand against a man he described as a threat to women’s rights.

"Hey @CherylHines," Whitford wrote, "way to stay silent while your lunatic husband throws his support behind the adjudicated rapist who brags about stripping women of their fundamental rights."

Maher was quick to push back on Whitford’s criticism. He accused Whitford and others like him of bullying Hines, calling it a display of hypocrisy. "You know what I think is not gutsy?" Maher said. "Mansplaining to a woman – but of course not to her face – how she should sacrifice her marriage all so you could read something on Twitter that met with your approval."

Maher Criticizes Liberals for Lack of Compassion

Maher’s remarks weren’t limited to Whitford. He went on to criticize the broader liberal community for what he sees as a growing tendency to engage in harsh, personal attacks. According to Maher, this kind of behavior was not typical of the liberals he once respected.

"There’s an ugliness they never used to have," Maher said. "The liberals I grew up respecting, none of them were like this."

Maher suggested that such attacks on Hines are an example of a larger problem in modern liberal circles. He noted that, in theory, liberals are supposed to be compassionate and understanding, but in practice, many seem to lack empathy for people facing complex personal dilemmas. He described the situation as symbolic of the difficulties married couples often face.

"Even the Mafia Doesn’t Do That"

In one of his most pointed remarks, Maher compared the attacks on Hines to behavior one might expect from criminal organizations. "Going after the wife?" Maher said. "Even the mafia doesn’t do that."

He emphasized that Hines’ decision to support her husband was not an endorsement of Trump but rather a reflection of her loyalty to her marriage. Maher argued that expecting her to denounce her husband for his political choices publicly was both unreasonable and unfair.

Hines Remains Loyal Despite Criticism

While Hines herself has not directly responded to the backlash, her X post on August 23 reflects her gratitude to those who supported her husband’s presidential campaign. "The decision has been made to suspend my husband's, Robert Kennedy Jr.'s, presidency, and I'd like to extend a sincere, deeply heartfelt thank you to every person who has worked so tirelessly and lovingly on his campaign," she wrote.

Despite the attacks, Hines has remained supportive of Kennedy’s decision. According to Kennedy, her support stems from a place of love and commitment rather than political agreement. "She went along with it because she loves me," Kennedy explained. "But it was not something that she ever encouraged."

Maher Continues to Critique Hypocrisy

As Maher continued his discussion, he pointed out that the very people attacking Hines were often the same individuals who claimed to oppose bullying and toxic behavior. He called this contradiction hypocritical, criticizing those who engage in personal attacks while professing to stand for compassion and understanding.

"There’s an ugliness they never used to have," Maher said, referring to the shift he sees in today’s liberal circles.

Maher’s Broader Commentary on Political Civility

The situation surrounding Hines serves as a microcosm of the larger political climate, where personal attacks have become increasingly common. Maher’s commentary reflects his concern that political discourse has devolved into abuse and bullying, with little room for understanding or empathy.

Maher sees the attacks on Hines as part of a troubling trend where political disagreements lead to personal attacks, even against those not directly involved in the debate. In his view, this is a departure from the liberal values of empathy and compassion that he once admired.