A national advocacy group has accused Kristen Bell of downplaying domestic violence in her wedding anniversary post.
“There is nothing funny about domestic violence ‘jokes’ that trivialize the very real fear, trauma and pain that millions of victims and survivors face every day,” a representative from the National Network to End Domestic Violence told Page Six in a statement Tuesday.
“Especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we all have a responsibility to support victims and survivors, invest in proven solutions, and talk about this issue with the seriousness it deserves,” the organization concluded.
A representative for Mr. Bell did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment. The post remains on her Instagram page.
The harsh comments come after the “No One Wish This” star, 45, drew intense public criticism for her 12th wedding anniversary post praising Dax Shepard on Saturday.
In her upload, Bell shared a photo of herself cuddling closely with Shepherd, 50. “Happy 12th wedding anniversary to the man who once said to me, ‘I will never kill you. Many men have killed their own wives at some point. I am highly motivated to kill you, but I will never kill you.’ ❤️,” she captioned the photo.
Commenters noted that the controversial sentiment came in the midst of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, although the actress limited her comments amid the ensuing backlash.
“FYI, posting this caption during Domestic Violence Awareness Month is incredibly tone-deaf :/ Think again,” one person wrote.
“Please keep in mind that this is a real thing that many people suffer from on a daily basis. And this text may provoke victims,” another netizen countered.
Meanwhile, the iconic true crime series Dateline also joined the discussion. The NBC show’s official Instagram account also wrote “Screenshot” in the comment section.
Bell, who married Shepard in 2013 and has two daughters with her, has previously advocated for victims of abuse.
According to Just Jared, the “Good Place” star previously praised 23 accomplished gymnasts who spoke out against abuse amid the ignominious fall of USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who sexually abused Olympic gymnasts and other elite athletes.
“These gymnasts have fought so hard for all of us,” she said in 2018 while presenting the Global Sport Development Foundation Humanitarian Award to the athletes at an event in Beverly Hills. “Not only to fight the men who abused them, but perhaps more importantly, to fight the silence,” she added.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-7997233 or text “BEGIN” to 88788.
