Kristen Bell misses Today show appearance following Dax Shepard anniversary post backlash

Published: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 4:27 pm

Kristen Bell Skips 'Today' Show Appearance Amid Anniversary Post Controversy

Actress Kristen Bell has been noticeably absent from the public eye following a wave of criticism surrounding a recent social media post. Bell, who was scheduled to appear on the "Today" show Wednesday morning to promote her new project, was a no-show. Her co-star, Justine Lupe, appeared alone, and the reason for Bell's absence was not addressed during the interview.

The controversy stems from a post Bell shared on Instagram celebrating her 12th wedding anniversary with her husband, Dax Shepard. The post featured a photo of Shepard with one of their daughters and included a caption referencing Shepard's humorous statement about not killing her. While initially met with congratulations, the post quickly drew backlash from social media users. Critics labeled the post "tone deaf" and "insensitive," arguing that it trivialized domestic violence, particularly during Domestic Violence Awareness month. Some users expressed concern that the post could be triggering for victims of abuse.

The couple, known for their playful banter, has previously courted controversy on social media. Last month, Bell faced criticism for describing her experience of "free-range parenting" while on vacation in Denmark. She recounted allowing her children to explore an amusement park unsupervised for several hours.

Bell and Shepard, who met in 2007, married in 2013 after waiting for same-sex marriage to be legalized in California. They have two daughters together.

BNN's Perspective: While it's understandable that Bell's post sparked debate, it's important to remember that humor can be subjective. However, given the sensitive nature of domestic violence, it's crucial for public figures to be mindful of the potential impact of their words.

Keywords: Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Today Show, Domestic Violence, Anniversary, Controversy, Social Media, Instagram, Entertainment, Celebrity, Parenting, Denmark, Vacation

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