The newest installment of Netflix’s popular romantic comedy series for elder millennials, titled “Nobody Wants This,” premiered last week. Despite this, one of the main stars in the show, Kristen Bell, has recently sparked controversy with an Instagram post celebrating her wedding anniversary with husband Dax Shepard. The post, which seemed to trivialize domestic violence, has drawn criticism from various quarters.

In the Instagram post shared on October 17, Bell commemorated her 12th wedding anniversary with Shepard. The accompanying caption, where Shepard jokingly mentioned not wanting to kill her despite being incentivized to do so, raised eyebrows among her 15.8 million followers. The tone of the post, though seemingly playful and in line with the couple’s known banter, was perceived as insensitive, especially during October, which is recognized as domestic violence awareness month in the U.S.

The backlash was swift, with many commenters pointing out the inappropriateness of joking about domestic violence, as it could normalize abusive behavior and silence survivors. Advocates for domestic violence victims criticized Bell’s post, emphasizing that such humor could undermine the severity of intimate partner violence issues. They stressed that femicide is a significant concern for women globally, and making light of such matters is unacceptable.

Despite the public outcry, Bell has not publicly addressed the backlash or issued an apology. Her silence on the matter has led to speculation about her stance, with reports suggesting she is reluctant to apologize and is apprehensive about potential repercussions. While Bell has not commented directly on the controversy, she did speak generally about relationships during a recent media appearance.

Some supporters of Bell have defended her, citing the couple’s history of dark and self-deprecating humor in public. They argue that the post reflects their unique relationship dynamic and playful banter. However, critics maintain that humor about serious issues like domestic violence is inappropriate and can have detrimental effects on societal perceptions of such matters.

Advocates have urged Bell to acknowledge the impact of her post, apologize, and support initiatives aiding victims of domestic violence. Experts emphasize the importance of addressing the seriousness of domestic violence issues rather than getting entangled in celebrity controversies on social media. They stress the need for productive discussions on intimate partner violence and supporting those affected by such issues.