A new report is pulling back the curtain on what allegedly happened behind the scenes of a major Hollywood production, and the claims are already generating plenty of attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The controversy centers on one of television\u2019s biggest comedy stars, a longtime actress with decades of history on his hit show, and a political figure whose influence reportedly extended well beyond Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michelle Obama is facing new allegations that she blocked actress Cheryl Hines from appearing in a new Larry David comedy project because of Hines\u2019 connection to the Trump administration through her husband, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The claims were first reported by the Daily Mail, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the report, Obama insisted Hines not be cast in Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness<\/em>, a seven-part comedy series produced by Higher Ground, the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The series, created with Larry David to coincide with America\u2019s 250th anniversary, premiered June 26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hines and David worked together for more than two decades on HBO\u2019s Curb Your Enthusiasm<\/em>, where she portrayed David\u2019s wife throughout the show\u2019s 12-season run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sources told the Daily Mail that Hines hoped the new production would reunite the longtime collaborators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCheryl felt terribly hurt and emotionally injured because she had worked so closely with Larry for the entire 12 seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm<\/em> and they had become like bosom buddies,\u201d one source told the outlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The source added that Hines believed David could separate politics from their longstanding professional relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut banning Cheryl was a command from Michelle that Larry could not go against, even if he had wanted to, for old time\u2019s sake, and mend their past close ties,\u201d the source claimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe always respected her as an actress. But Michelle\u2019s the boss. And you don\u2019t cross the boss.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Daily Mail also quoted another unnamed source who alleged Obama reacted strongly when Hines\u2019 name was suggested during production discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c\u2018We cannot and will not have that woman on this show. She\u2019s not one of us,’\u201d the source claimed Obama said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the report, the objection centered on Hines\u2019 marriage to Kennedy rather than her acting ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The source alleged Obama viewed Kennedy as a political \u201cturncoat\u201d after he aligned himself with Trump and accepted a role leading the Department of Health and Human Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hines has become more politically visible in recent years while supporting her husband\u2019s presidential campaign and later his work in the Trump administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n