Kristen Bell is facing backlash from a national advocacy group after posting a wedding anniversary message critics said downplayed domestic violence.
The 45-year-old actress shared an Instagram post on Saturday (Oct 18) marking her 12th wedding anniversary with her husband, 50-year-old actor Dax Shepard.
The caption — which included what she described as a joke — quickly drew criticism online for being insensitive during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
In the post, Kristen wrote alongside a photo of herself and Dax embracing: "Happy 12th wedding anniversary to the man who once said to me, 'I would never kill you. A lot of men have killed their wives at a certain point. Even though I'm heavily incentivised to kill you, I never would.'"
Following a wave of online backlash, the National Network to End Domestic Violence has now issued a statement condemning the post.
A spokesperson for the organisation told Page Six: "There's nothing funny about domestic violence 'jokes' that trivialise the very real fear, trauma and pain that millions of victims and survivors face each day."
They added: "Especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we all have a responsibility to support victims and survivors, to invest in proven solutions, and to speak about this issue with the seriousness it deserves."
According to Page Six, representatives for Kristen did not respond to requests for comment, and the post remains on her social media page.
Several Instagram users also criticised the post, noting the timing of its publication.
One wrote: "Just an FYI, posting this caption during domestic violence awareness month is unbelievably tone-deaf. Please reconsider."
Another commented: "Please keep in mind that this is something real that lots of people suffer on a daily basis. And the text could be triggering for victims."
Even NBC's true-crime programme Dateline joined the discussion, posting a comment on Kristen's post that read: "Screenshotted."
Kristen and Dax married in 2013 and share two daughters.
She has previously spoken publicly about supporting survivors of abuse.
As reported by Just Jared, Kristen presented 23 gymnasts with the Foundation for Global Sports Development's Humanitarian Award in 2018 following their testimony against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of sexual abuse.
She said during the event: "These gymnasts have been fighting hard… for all of us.
"Fighting the men that abused them, but also, and maybe more importantly, fighting the silence."
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