Tovah Feldshuh Stands By Kristen Bell Amid Social Media Controversy
It appears that Tovah Feldshuh, a cast member of Nobody Wants This, is showing support for her fellow actor Kristen Bell following a recent dispute over Bell's anniversary social media update.
On Friday, October 24, Feldshuh posted a picture on Instagram of herself, 76, and Bell, 45, in an embrace, accompanied by the caption: “With my cherished Kristen Bell, truly one of the most exceptional individuals I’ve met. Her compassion is as vast as her loveliness and skill, all of which are both captivating and profound.”
In the series, Feldshuh portrays Bina, the excessively protective and critical mother of Noah, played by Adam Brody.
Bell faced criticism after sharing an anniversary message for her husband, Dax Shepard, on October 17.
Kristen Bell Likens Her Own Marriage to the Duo in 'Nobody Wants This'
The 45-year-old actress, Bell, wrote on Instagram: “Wishing a happy 12th wedding anniversary to my husband, who once told me: ‘I wouldn’t ever harm you. Many men have murdered their spouses at some stage. Despite having strong reasons to do so, I never would,❤️’”
Although some followers found the caption humorous and evidently an personal jest, many found Bell’s apparent comedic style inappropriate given the widespread issue of intimate partner violence. (It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic violence during their lives, with homicide being the primary cause of death for expectant mothers in the U.S.)
On October 21, a representative for The National Network to End Domestic Violence issued a statement to Page Six, asserting: “There is no humor in ‘jokes’ about domestic violence that diminish the profound fear, trauma, and suffering endured daily by millions of victims and survivors. Particularly in Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is incumbent upon us to advocate for victims and survivors, fund effective interventions, and address this matter with the gravity it demands.”
The actress’s update also drew comments from her fanbase. One individual remarked, “An astonishing thing to share during Domestic Violence Awareness month.”
Following the outcry, Bell restricted comments on her Instagram account and subsequently canceled a scheduled October 22 appearance on the Today show, where she was slated to promote the second season of her popular Netflix series. At that time, Us Weekly attempted to contact both Today and Bell’s representatives for a statement.
Conversely, many long-standing supporters of Bell and Shepard rallied to the couple's defense.
On Us Weekly’s Facebook comment thread, one fan commented: “Her intention was to be amusing. Their relationship appears to be full of humor, which is wonderful. She simply chose an unfortunate moment, not realizing October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. She had no intention of causing harm.”
Nevertheless, the actress, seemingly unfazed by the online criticism, did attend a screening of the show’s second season premiere and a panel discussion at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, alongside Brody, Lupe, and fellow cast members Jackie Tohn and Timothy Simons.
Dax Shepard Expressed Enjoyment Over Wife Kristen Bell's 'Passionate' Romantic Comedy Kiss With Adam Brody
Bell herself has not made a direct statement regarding the contentious social media update.
For confidential assistance if you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
