Halle Berry defends Mother’s Day video with Van Hunt after drawing backlash online for sharing an intimate moment with her partner on the holiday. The Oscar-winning actress, who was in France attending the Cannes Film Festival, explained her choice to spend Mother’s Day in a personal way and responded candidly to public scrutiny regarding her decision not to celebrate with her children.
After the video sparked heated reactions, Berry discussed the controversy in a June 4 episode of “Today With Jenna & Friends,” speaking with Jenna Bush Hager. She described the kind of reactions she received:
Other women got in their feelings and [said], ‘Was it right for her to be in her bed, talking about spinning with her man?’
—Halle Berry, Actress
And they were saying, ‘Should she be talking about that on Mother’s Day? Shouldn’t she be with her kids somewhere?’
—Halle Berry, Actress
The actress, mother to Nahla Ariela Aubry and Maceo-Robert Martinez, went on to express her perspective:
First of all, it’s not Kids’ Day,
—Halle Berry, Actress
It’s called Mother’s Day. Kids’ Day is every day for years. That’s my day, and if I want to be in bed and spin with my man, then that’s what I’m gonna do.
—Halle Berry, Actress
Berry’s Personal Approach to Motherhood and ‘Mom Guilt’
Berry had originally posted her Mother’s Day video to X, affectionately teasing her plans for the evening while wrapped in a white sheet alongside Van Hunt, her boyfriend since 2020. She stated:
I showed y’all how my Mother’s Day started, and now I’m gonna tell you about—I’m not gonna show you!—I’m gonna tell you about how my Mother’s Day is gonna end.
—Halle Berry, Actress
Berry explained to Jenna Bush Hager how being a working mom sometimes means missing holidays with her children, a reality that brings its own emotional weight. She admitted feeling conflicted and acknowledged the pressure mothers face:
As a mom, as a working mom, you sometimes feel like you can’t do it all,
—Halle Berry, Actress
And you have mom guilt, you leave your children.
—Halle Berry, Actress
Berry discussed the need to break the stereotype of the “perfect” mother and encouraged acceptance of working mothers, emphasizing the importance of self-care for women who dedicate themselves both to their families and their own well-being.
Other Celebrities Push Back Against Parental Criticism
Berry’s experience is not unique. Public figures often confront harsh judgments about relatable parenting choices. Sophie Turner, known for her role in “Game of Thrones,” responded to paparazzi sharing photos of her and Joe Jonas’s baby daughter without consent:
She is my daughter. She did not ask for this life, to be photographed,
—Sophie Turner, Actress
It’s f–king creepy that grown old men taking pictures of a baby without their permission. I’m sickened, I’m disgusted and I’m respectfully asking everyone to stop following us around and stop trying to take pictures of our daughter and especially printing them.
—Sophie Turner, Actress
Candace Cameron Bure, star of “Fuller House,” addressed social media critiques regarding her family’s holiday photo:
Wow-I post a family photo and you all find everything you don’t like about it or can make fun of. Do better than that. Please.
—Candace Cameron Bure, Actress
It doesn’t matter if you’re 10 or 90 years old, rude is rude. Be better than that. I’m praying for humanity,
—Candace Cameron Bure, Actress
Manners and respect. If you don’t like something, just move on. There are people and real feelings behind every screen.
—Candace Cameron Bure, Actress
Khloe Kardashian and The Challenge of Public Parenting
For Kourtney Kardashian, public life brings frequent parenting critiques. Khloe Kardashian has similarly faced backlash for attending charity events while leaving her daughter in the care of her father:
I was at a charity event last weekend and I’m literally trying to raise money for cancer research and I’m getting annihilated for being somewhere on a Sunday,
—Khloe Kardashian, Entrepreneur
I’m like, ‘She’s with her dad, you a–hole. Like, what do you want me to do?’
—Khloe Kardashian, Entrepreneur
Jana Kramer’s Experience with Judgment Online
Singer and actress Jana Kramer addressed criticism after sharing on social media a video of her daughter’s tantrum:
You don’t know, you don’t live in this house, you don’t know what’s going on. Please don’t tell me why my child’s acting that way. Thanks.
—Jana Kramer, Actress and Singer
Ayesha Curry Responds to Body Comments
Ayesha Curry, chef and television personality, frequently endures speculation regarding her family. After one user suggested she appeared pregnant in a photo, Curry offered a humorous correction:
absolutely not LOL. My 30 lb son is just breaking my back in every photo.
—Ayesha Curry, Chef and TV Personality
She quickly addressed further unkind remarks about her son‘s weight:
excuse you? No. Just no.
—Ayesha Curry, Chef and TV Personality
Candice Swanepoel and the Pressure of Postpartum Appearance
Supermodel Candice Swanepoel faced “mommy-shaming” not long after giving birth, responding firmly to criticism about her postpartum body:
This is me 12 days after having my son. If you have something bad to say about it… Check yourself. Society can be so cruel to one another. Beauty standards are sometimes impossible for women these days. I am not ashamed to show my post-partum tummy, I am proud actually. I carried my son for nine months in there, I think I’ve earned the right to have a little tummy.
—Candice Swanepoel, Model
Ladies, we are all in this together, be kind to each other.
—Candice Swanepoel, Model
Kourtney Kardashian Handles Fans’ Concerns
Kourtney Kardashian often responds directly to questions about her children’s whereabouts, especially while traveling. On one occasion, she clarified:
My son was taking the photo, and the other two were sitting a table across from me. Thank you so much for your concern,
—Kourtney Kardashian, Entrepreneur
My little birthday ladybug makes my heart incredibly full every day. So in awe of her.
—Kourtney Kardashian, Entrepreneur
Chrissy Teigen’s No-Nonsense Replies to Online Critics
Chrissy Teigen, writer and television personality, regularly faces scrutiny over her parenting decisions. In response to criticism about her son being in the sun:
He told me he loves it.
—Chrissy Teigen, Author
And after being accused of setting a poor example by playfully pretending to steal a product in a store, Teigen issued a strong disclaimer:
EDIT: DO NOT EVER STEAL OR PRETEND TO STEAL YOUR FRIEND’S @THEOUAI TESTERS IN FRONT OF EMPLOYEES. ONE, BECAUSE IT’S WRONG, BUT TWO, IT WILL STARTLE EXTREMELY ANNOYING PEOPLE INTO BEING EXTREMELY OFFENDED ON THE ‘GRAM.
—Chrissy Teigen, Author
Brittany Aldean’s View on Taking Parental Breaks
During a holiday in the Bahamas, Brittany Aldean addressed criticism for leaving her infant child at home to travel with husband Jason Aldean:
Just a word of wisdom for all the parent shamers… vacations are ok for new parents to take. Sometimes after being pregnant for almost a year, cooped up in a house for weeks at a time, you need a little sunshine and adult time.
—Brittany Aldean, Public Figure
If you don’t agree with something, please… do me a favor and unfollow me. You will not be missed,
—Brittany Aldean, Public Figure
Kendra Wilkinson Speaks Up Following Divorce
Reality television personality Kendra Wilkinson explained the pressures of life post-divorce while juggling responsibilities:
I bust my ass off as a human being. I work, pay bills, take care of 2 kids and love them to the fullest plus trying to take care of myself through it all is a 24/7 job. I don’t know what the f–k some of u haters think u know but you better get your heads checked because your assumptions based on pictures and clips of shows make u straight up delusional.
—Kendra Wilkinson, Television Personality
I drink to celebrate only and I enjoy my friends. One day I’ll get the credit I deserve for all the hard work I do but til’ then I’m going to keep doing me,
—Kendra Wilkinson, Television Personality
Christina El Moussa and Pool Safety Debate
Television designer Christina El Moussa has dealt with negative feedback about her parenting choices, especially regarding child safety. After sharing a photo of her toddler by the pool, she replied:
OMG 1. It’s a beach entry if he fell in it’s only a foot high, he would be ok 2. It’s not his first time in or around the pool, but thanks for your
—Christina El Moussa, Designer
aka judgment 3. AND most importantly I am right there and could be to him in 3 seconds SMH at this …..!!!!
—Christina El Moussa, Designer
Kim Kardashian Challenges Assumptions About Motherhood
Reality star Kim Kardashian frequently answers to social media commentary about her time with her children. Responding to a tweet after posting about her daughter North West’s swimming lesson, she asserted:
U sound so ignorant. Bc I don’t tweet or instagram my every move w my daughter means I am not with her 247? We share what we want. Or is it bc I go support my fiance at every show & I post pix? When the baby goes down 4 bed or a nap, parents are allowed 2 work & support each other, maybe even have fun too.
—Kim Kardashian, Entrepreneur
Kristin Cavallari Responds to Societal Judgments
Kristin Cavallari, formerly of “Laguna Beach,” fielded criticism regarding the appearance of her sons, with some questioning their health:
Yep, I starve my children. Just blocked the most people I’ve ever blocked in my entire life. Happy 4th hahaha,
—Kristin Cavallari, Television Personality
I love that people are sending me articles about the dangers of being a vegan. Maybe send it to someone that’s actually vegan.
—Kristin Cavallari, Television Personality
Chrissy Teigen Preemptively Responds to Mom Shaming
After experiencing extensive criticism, Chrissy Teigen addressed comments about her daughter Luna’s rosy cheeks in a 2016 post:
We miss you, papa!! Can’t wait for you to come home! (Yes she has rosy eczema cheeks, yes we are taking care of it, no it’s not a gluten allergy, no it’s not our makeup, no it’s not from our perfume, yes she’s just a baby).
—Chrissy Teigen, Author
Hilary Duff Addresses Inappropriate Comments
Actress and singer Hilary Duff rebuffed comments about her relationship with her son, Luca, after sharing a photo of a kiss:
For anyone commenting that a kiss on the lips with my four-year-old is ‘inappropriate’ go ahead and click a quick unfollow with your warped minds and judgment.
—Hilary Duff, Actress and Singer
Amanda Stanton Confronts Online Trolls
Former “Bachelor in Paradise” contestant Amanda Stanton took to Instagram to confront repeated judgment:
I don’t normally like to address the trolls/mom shamers … but it’s so out of control!
—Amanda Stanton, Television Personality
I’d like to take a moment to clarify first of all that my kids DO have a father that is part of their life. They spend time with him too. So if you see a photo of me without my kids one weekend and comment something like ‘mother of the year’ or ‘wow shouldn’t she be with her kids?’ Well, there’s a VERY good chance that I can’t be with them because they’re with their dad.
—Amanda Stanton, Television Personality
Sarah Stage Celebrates Body Positivity During Pregnancy
Sarah Stage, known online as the “Six Pack Mom,” responded to commentary on her fitness level during pregnancy by championing body positivity:
Our bodies are truly incredible & I feel blessed to be able to grow another healthy baby inside of me! I choose to stay positive & I represent anyone who has dealt with doubters, trolls & bullies. It feels great to prove ignorant people wrong & even better to know that all you have to do is believe in yourself and trust your own instincts.
—Sarah Stage, Social Media Personality
Jessie James Decker on Social Sharing Boundaries
Country singer Jessie James Decker detailed the difficulty of posting about her children online, revealing how criticism impacts what she decides to share:
You know, it is kind of hard sometimes because you feel like you have to filter what you post in some ways,
—Jessie James Decker, Singer
I’ll never post a picture of my kids in their car seats anymore because I’ll get schooled on how I’m not doing it correctly or it turns into this argument.
—Jessie James Decker, Singer
I’m not going to post pictures of them in the backseat eating their snacks. It’s not worth it anymore—you ruined it!
—Jessie James Decker, Singer
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi Responds to Parenting Criticism
Reality star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi shut down frequent critics by limiting comments on her children’s photos:
So proud of my little girl!
—Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Public Figure
(Instead of not posting my kids for the people who respect and appreciate their photos , I will turn off the comments section. I don’t need a–holes telling me how to raise my child and judge them. I’m a damn good mom and know what I’m doing. Well most of the time.),
—Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Public Figure
Kim Kardashian Corrects Parenting Misconceptions
Kim Kardashian later confronted concerns about the kind of car seat her son was pictured in, explaining:
So I took a photo of Saint and he was sitting forward and so they say for his age, he should be rear-facing,
—Kim Kardashian, Entrepreneur
But what people didn’t know is that Saint is now the weight and the height requirement to sit forward-facing.
—Kim Kardashian, Entrepreneur
Saint actually weighs more than North,
—Kim Kardashian, Entrepreneur
If that is believable, he does, and it is wild,
—Kim Kardashian, Entrepreneur
Jada Pinkett Smith Advocates for Women’s Autonomy
Actress Jada Pinkett Smith reflected on the criticism she faced after allowing her daughter Willow to cut her hair, emphasizing the importance of bodily autonomy and empowerment:
The question why I would LET Willow cut her hair. First the LET must be challenged,
—Jada Pinkett Smith, Actress
This is a world where women, girls are constantly reminded that they don’t belong to themselves; that their bodies are not their own, nor their power or self determination.
—Jada Pinkett Smith, Actress
I made a promise to endow my little girl with the power to always know that her body, spirit and her mind are HER domain,
—Jada Pinkett Smith, Actress
Willow cut her hair because her beauty, her value, her worth is not measured by the length of her hair. It’s also a statement that claims that even little girls have the RIGHT to own themselves and should not be a slave to even their mother’s deepest insecurities, hopes and desires.
—Jada Pinkett Smith, Actress
Kim Zolciak-Biermann Confronts Body Shaming Toward Children
Kim Zolciak-Biermann took a strong stance against those making negative comments about her daughter Ariana’s weight, defending her child and calling for more positive behavior online:
My sweet, smart, motivated princess @arianabiermann she has the biggest [heart] and is even more beautiful on the inside and you LOW LIFE assholes who have the audacity to make your rude comments, ‘she finally lost weight’ ‘she finally came into her own’ WTF is wrong with you!
—Kim Zolciak-Biermann, Television Personality
You are the problem with society. What possesses you to sit behind a computer and write a negative comment?!!!! can you imagine if you took the time to write something positive or nothing at all how wonderful this world would be!!! You leave my baby alone she is a child!!!! Got it!!!
—Kim Zolciak-Biermann, Television Personality
Parental Autonomy in Public Spotlight
These incidents underscore the challenges celebrity parents face when every move is scrutinized under the spotlight. From Halle Berry in France during a major film festival to Sophie Turner confronting invasive photographers, public figures consistently defend their decisions as parents. They speak out against criticism—whether it pertains to how they celebrate Mother’s Day, how they manage time with their children, or how they present their families online.
As more celebrities speak out—using personal experiences to highlight unrealistic expectations and defend their autonomy—they initiate important discussions about respect, boundaries, and the diversity of family life. The ongoing tension between personal choice and public opinion signals a need for greater acceptance of different parenting styles, both for high-profile individuals like Berry, Khloe Kardashian, and Kim Kardashian, and for families everywhere. With their responses, these figures challenge old narratives and call for a more empathetic approach, especially on occasions intended to celebrate parents in all their complexity.
