Halle Berry, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actress, responded defiantly to recent motherhood criticism by her ex-husband David Justice, sharing carefree vacation photos that emphasize her contentment as a mother. The actress, who celebrated her 59th birthday on August 14, showcased moments with her children and boyfriend, illustrating her confidence despite past disparagements about her parenting.
Halle Berry Addresses Past Criticism from Ex-Husband David Justice
David Justice, a former Major League Baseball player and Halle Berry’s first husband, attributed their 1997 divorce partially to what he described as Berry’s lack of “motherly” skills. In a July 7 podcast interview, Justice reflected on their early marriage, admitting traditional expectations for family life influenced his viewpoint and suggesting their relationship was never destined to last. He recalled the rushed engagement after five months and questioned whether Berry was the right partner for building a family, citing his frustration with her not cooking, cleaning, or appearing maternal at that time.
In response, Berry appeared unbothered by Justice’s remarks. On August 14, she posted Instagram photos from a recent beach vacation, captioned with a playful jab, “Phew…! cooking, cleaning and mothering.” The images showed Berry enjoying relaxation in a bikini with a glass of wine alongside boyfriend Van Hunt, while also sharing affectionate moments with her daughter Nahla. She marked her birthday by posting a photo of a chocolate cake and a sentimental birthday envelope addressed to “mom,” subtly affirming her role as a devoted parent.
Halle Berry’s Family Dynamics and Recent Life
Halle Berry is mother to two children: daughter Nahla, 17, with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, and son Maceo-Robert, 11, with ex-husband Olivier Martinez. Despite public scrutiny, Berry demonstrates a strong commitment to her family while embracing her life with current partner Van Hunt. She has acknowledged that her past relationships helped her clarify what she seeks in a partner, famously stating in a February interview that she “manifested” Hunt after learning from three divorces what was not working in her previous unions.
Celebrity Mothers Responding to Motherhood Criticism
Berry is not alone in facing and confronting judgments about her parenting. Multiple well-known mothers have publicly defended themselves against mommy-shaming, pushing back against invasive comments and societal expectations.
Sophie Turner Defends Daughter’s Privacy
Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner, along with husband Joe Jonas, reacted strongly after photos of their infant daughter Willa were taken and published without consent. Turner voiced her dismay at this intrusion on May 12, condemning the behavior of adults photographing a baby without permission.
“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 Challenges Online Critics
The Fuller House star addressed criticism over a Christmas family photo, which attracted negative remarks about her children’s expressions. Candace insisted on kindness and respect from her fans, rejecting the harsh judgments.
“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 Rebuffs Parenting Judgments
Khloe Kardashian, mother of True Thompson, expressed frustration at critics who disapproved of her attending a charity event without her daughter. She made clear that her parenting choices, such as arranging for her child to stay with her father, should not draw negative commentary.
“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 and TV Personality
“I’m like, ‘She’s with her dad, you a–hole. Like, what do you want me to do?'”
—Khloe Kardashian, Entrepreneur and TV Personality
Jana Kramer Responds to Criticism of Her Child’s Behavior
After posting a video of her daughter throwing a tantrum, Jana Kramer quickly addressed comments that questioned her parenting. She defended herself publicly, reminding followers they do not know the full context.
“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, Singer and Actress
Ayesha Curry Answers Questions About Her Family
Ayesha Curry responded lightheartedly to Instagram comments speculating about another pregnancy, while also strongly rejecting unfounded health concerns raised about her son.
“Absolutely not LOL. My 30 lb son is just breaking my back in every photo.”
—Ayesha Curry, TV Personality and Chef
“If that kid is 30lbs he’s got some serious health issues going on,”
—Instagram User
“Excuse you? No. Just no.”
—Ayesha Curry, TV Personality and Chef
Candice Swanepoel Confronts Postpartum Criticism
Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel shared an empowering message after being criticized for showing her postpartum body just days after giving birth to her son. She urged kindness and solidarity among women facing societal beauty standards.
“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 Addresses Family Questions on Vacation
During a trip to Italy to celebrate her daughter Penelope’s sixth birthday, Kourtney Kardashian addressed Instagram queries about her children’s whereabouts with a straightforward reply.
“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 and TV Personality
“My little birthday ladybug makes my heart incredibly full every day. So in awe of her.”
—Kourtney Kardashian, Entrepreneur and TV Personality
Chrissy Teigen Defends Parenting Choices Amid Scrutiny
Chrissy Teigen, faced with repeated mommy-shaming, responded to concerns about her son’s comfort in the sun and addressed criticism over a lighthearted moment with her daughter that went viral.
“He doesn’t look too happy with the sun in his eyes.”
—Instagram User
“He told me he loves it.”
—Chrissy Teigen, Model and Author
“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, Model and Author
Brittany Aldean Explains Taking Vacations as a New Parent
New mother Brittany Aldean addressed criticism about leaving her baby behind during a vacation, emphasizing the need for parental breaks after pregnancy and urging critics to respect choices.
“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, TV Personality
“If you don’t agree with something, please… do me a favor and unfollow me. You will not be missed.”
—Brittany Aldean, TV Personality
Kendra Wilkinson Defends Herself Following Divorce
Kendra Wilkinson shared an emotional defense of her lifestyle and parenting choices after receiving harsh judgment post-divorce, highlighting the challenges she faces while raising two children.
“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, Reality Star and TV 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, Reality Star and TV Personality
Christina El Moussa Addresses Safety Concerns About Her Toddler
Flip or Flop star Christina El Moussa clapped back at criticism about a photo of her toddler standing near a pool, explaining safety measures and her vigilance.
“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”
concern
“aka judgment 3. AND most importantly I am right there and could be to him in 3 seconds SMH at this …..!!!!”
—Christina El Moussa, TV Personality
Kim Kardashian Responds to Criticism About Her Parenting and Children
Kim Kardashian took a stand against online criticism regarding her social media posts about her children, defending her choices about what she shares and explaining her son Saint’s car seat position.
“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 and TV Personality
“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 and TV Personality
“But what people didn’t know is that Saint is now the weight and the height requirement to sit forward-facing.”
—Kim Kardashian, Entrepreneur and TV Personality
“Saint actually weighs more than North,”
—Kim Kardashian, Entrepreneur and TV Personality
“If that is believable, he does, and it is wild,”
—Kim Kardashian, Entrepreneur and TV Personality
Kristin Cavallari Confronts Body-Shaming Comments About Her Children
When people questioned the appearance of her sons in a photo, Kristin Cavallari strongly rebutted, blocking users while humorously addressing rumors.
“Yep, I starve my children. Just blocked the most people I’ve ever blocked in my entire life. Happy 4th hahaha,”
—Kristin Cavallari, TV 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, TV Personality
Chrissy Teigen Faces Repeated Scrutiny and Stands Firm
In addition to defending her son’s eczema and appearance, Chrissy Teigen addressed criticism about her parenting with humor and directness through social media posts.
“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, Model and Author
Hilary Duff Rejects Criticism Over Affection to Son
Hilary Duff faced backlash for posting a photo kissing her son on the lips and firmly told critics to stop judging her parenting choices.
“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 Clarifies Parenting and Responds to Trolls
The Bachelor in Paradise star addressed the misperception that she often posts images without her children and reminded followers that her ex-husband shares custody.
“I don’t normally like to address the trolls/mom shamers … but it’s so out of control!”
—Amanda Stanton, TV 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, TV Personality
Sarah Stage Defends Her Fit Pregnancy
The social media fitness influencer rebuked those who criticized her for maintaining a toned appearance while seven months pregnant, emphasizing positivity and self-trust.
“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, Fitness Model and Social Media Influencer
Jessie James Decker Talks About Filtering Social Media Posts of Her Kids
Jessie James Decker shared the frustrations of parenting under the microscope, describing how she limits posts involving her children to avoid criticism.
“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 and TV Personality
“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 and TV Personality
“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 and TV Personality
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi Shuts Down Parenting Critics
Snooki took to Instagram to shut down judgmental comments on her parenting, announcing she would disable comments to maintain a positive space for sharing family moments.
“So proud of my little girl!”
—Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Reality Star
“(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, Reality Star
Jada Pinkett Smith Empowers Her Daughter to Own Herself
In response to criticism about allowing her daughter Willow to cut her own hair, Jada Pinkett Smith highlighted the importance of female empowerment and self-determination.
“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 Defends Daughter from Online Harassment
Kim Zolciak-Biermann confronted critics who negatively commented on her daughter Ariana’s weight, calling out societal toxicity and urging kindness.
“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, Reality Star
“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, Reality Star
As shown through Halle Berry’s lighthearted yet resolute response and the collective outspokenness of many celebrity mothers, confronting motherhood criticism has become a crucial way for women to reclaim their narratives and encourage respect. These public exchanges expose the intense pressure placed on mothers and highlight the importance of empathy and personal boundaries in parenting discourse. Halle Berry’s embrace of joy during her vacation, alongside her affirmation of motherhood, underscores her refusal to be diminished by unfair judgments and sets an example of self-empowerment for parents navigating public scrutiny.
