Kristen Bell's Anniversary Post Sparks Online Debate
Kristen Bell’s recent social media tribute to husband Dax Shepard commemorating their anniversary has caused division online.
On Friday, October 17, the actress celebrated a significant moment in her marriage by posting a picture of Shepard, 50, embracing one of their daughters.
“Happy 12th wedding anniversary to the man who once told me: ‘I would never kill you. Many men have killed their wives at some point. Even though I’m heavily incentivized to kill you, I never would,’” Bell, 45, conveyed via Instagram.
While certain followers of the couple perceived the message as sincere and romantic, others were quick to criticize the text of the caption.
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's Most Honest Quotes About Their Marriage
“What an inappropriate thing to share during Domestic Violence Awareness month,” one person commented.
The ensuing discussion led Bell to temporarily restrict comments on her social media platforms.
The actress also drew scrutiny when she did not appear alongside her Nobody Wants This costar Justine Lupe for an appearance on Today on Wednesday, October 22.
According to the program’s official schedule, both actresses were scheduled to be on the NBC morning show to promote the second season of the popular Netflix series.
Us Weekly has contacted Today and Bell’s representatives for a statement.
Although Bell has not yet publicly addressed the controversy surrounding her Instagram post, Us is examining the wide range of opinions.
Why Some Viewers Are Offended By Kristen Bell
The National Network to End Domestic Violence issued a statement opposing Bell’s post, clarifying why her caption was not a laughing matter.
“There is nothing humorous about domestic violence ‘jokes’ that downplay the very real fear, trauma, and suffering that millions of victims and survivors experience daily,” a spokesperson for the non-profit stated to Page Six on Tuesday, October 21. “Especially throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we all share a responsibility to support victims and survivors, to invest in proven solutions, and to discuss this issue with the seriousness it merits.”
It is estimated that up to one in four women — or roughly 10 million women — will suffer severe intimate partner violence annually in the United States.
Based on a recent report, homicide is the primary cause of death for pregnant individuals in the U.S., often linked to high rates of domestic violence and readily available firearms.
“Domestic violence is not a joke,” one user remarked on Bell’s post.
Another added, “I like Kristen Bell, but she should not have written that post, especially during domestic violence month. She needs to issue an apology.”
Why Some Viewers Are Supporting Kristen Bell
Many long-standing fans of the couple were quick to speak out and clarify why they were not offended by the Instagram post.
“She was attempting to be humorous. They appear to have a relationship filled with comedy, which is wonderful,” one fan commented in Us Weekly’s Facebook comments section. “She simply had poor timing, not realizing October is domestic violence awareness month. She didn’t intend to harm anyone.”
Others attributed it to an innocent jest that can be employed when discussing the longevity of a successful relationship.
“I find this quite odd because isn’t it common to inquire about a couple’s endurance and for there to be a joke about not having murdered each other yet?” one user questioned. “That has always been my experience.”
Bell and Shepard’s celebrity friends also commented on the original Instagram post, with Terry Crews writing, “This is LOVE.”
Shepard’s Parenthood costar Mae Whitman added, “Only because we’d never let him get away with it.”
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How Is ‘Dateline’ Involved in the Controversy?
After encountering Bell’s anniversary post, Dateline chose to participate in the conversation by commenting, “Screenshotted.”
While the NBC program — known for its in-depth investigations and true crime stories — was merely being playful, the comment garnered over 74,000 likes, with some users acknowledging the message.
As one fan responded, “Just in case.”
