Kristen Bell is facing more backlash after posting an anniversary tribute to her husband, Dax Shepard, that critics say made light of domestic violence.
The National Network to End Domestic Violence condemned the post as “tone-deaf,” especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
While some fans defended her humor, others called it inappropriate, prompting Kristen Bell to limit comments on Instagram and even skip an appearance on the “Today” show due to the backlash.
Article continues below advertisement
Advocacy Group Condemns Kristen Bell’s Anniversary Post For ‘Trivializing’ Domestic Violence
Kristen Bell is facing criticism from a national advocacy organization after sharing a controversial anniversary post that many felt made light of domestic violence.
In a statement to Page Six on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence condemned the post, saying, “There’s nothing funny about domestic violence ‘jokes’ that trivialize the very real fear, trauma, and pain that millions of victims and survivors face each day.”
The organization continued: “Especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we all have a responsibility to support victims and survivors, to invest in proven solutions, and to speak about this issue with the seriousness it deserves.”
Article continues below advertisement
The backlash stems from Bell’s Instagram tribute to her husband, Dax Shepard, marking their 12th wedding anniversary.
Alongside a cozy photo of the couple, the “Good Place” actress, 45, captioned it with a darkly comedic quote attributed to Shepard: “Happy 12th wedding anniversary to the man who once said to me: ‘I would never kill you. A lot of men have killed their wives at a certain point. Even though I’m heavily incentivized to kill you, I never would.”
Article continues below advertisement
Kristen Bell Skipped Her ‘Today’ Show Appearance
The actress appears to be already feeling the heat of the backlash over her anniversary post, as she recently skipped an interview on the “Today” show.
According to Page Six, Bell was scheduled to appear alongside her “Nobody Wants This” co-star, Justine Lupe, on Wednesday.
However, during the CBS morning show, Lupe was interviewed solo and said nothing about Bell or the controversial anniversary post she shared.
The actress had been on a press tour for the second season of the Netflix comedy when she came under fire.
Article continues below advertisement
The Actress Faces Backlash Over Controversial Post During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
While several celebrity friends, including Liv Tyler, Terry Crews, and Howie Mandel, responded with laughing emojis, the actress’s followers and fans found the caption deeply inappropriate.
One user commented, “Just an FYI, posting this during Domestic Violence Awareness Month is incredibly tone-deaf.”
Another added: “Not funny at all. What kind of man says that to his wife? Oh, wait, I know exactly what kind. Get out now, Kristen.”
Some, however, defended the actress and her husband, while calling on the couple to address the issue.
“I totally get your dark humor. I have it too, but people are crucifying you and are going to boycott your show. Please address it somehow.”
Article continues below advertisement
Another user dismissed the outrage entirely, writing, “This post has zero to do with DV. Those who twist that narrative, then that is your problem.”
Bell, who has not publicly addressed the backlash, has since limited comments on the post.
Kristen Bell Forgot Her Wedding Anniversary During An Interview
Just a day before the backlash, Bell had a cheerful red-carpet moment while promoting the second season of “Nobody Wants This.“
In an Entertainment Tonight interview, a reporter hinted, “Tomorrow, Friday, is…,” prompting Bell to enthusiastically finish, “The beginning of the weekend!”
After a brief pause, she laughed and guessed again: “What is it? The 17th… the Wrexham Charity Gala?”
Moments later, realization struck. “Oh my God, it’s my anniversary! You know, I don’t remember that,” she said with a laugh. “Oh shoot, I’m so glad you told me.”
The “Frozen” actress went on to admit that her husband, Shepard, isn’t exactly great with dates either. “It helps that he doesn’t remember, either,” she joked. “And no one’s at fault here, right? We’re just not great with dates.”
Article continues below advertisement
The “House of Lies” actress revealed that Shepard was at home watching their kids, but didn’t seem to be preparing for any grand celebration.
“I don’t know if making mac and cheese counts as prepping for the anniversary,” she quipped. “But we are having a date night tomorrow, so we can celebrate.”
Kristen Bell Shared Her Anniversary Plans
Bell also revealed that she and Shepard planned to spend their anniversary evening alongside fellow Hollywood couple Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson at the Wrexham AFC Foundation Gala, an event that supports youth sports.
“It’s bringing kids together through sports,” she said. “We’re going to that, so we will actually have a date night tomorrow.”
Later in the conversation, Bell shared her thoughts on what keeps her marriage strong, emphasizing the need for honesty and emotional openness.
The actress noted that “sitting in discomfort” is an essential part of a relationship, “because vulnerability is uncomfortable.”
Article continues below advertisement
“It’s hard to say what your needs are,” Bell explained. “It’s hard to say, ‘You hurt my feelings, and here’s why.’ It’s also even harder to say, ‘I hurt your feelings, and here’s why.’ So sitting in the uncomfortable feelings and realizing that just like anything — cooking a great meal, going to the gym and getting a six-pack, whatever it is — those things take hard work, and relationships are no different.”
