Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are known for their unfiltered and humorous approach to sharing their relationship with the public, but the actress’s latest social media post for their 12th wedding anniversary has sparked a mixed reaction among fans. While many acknowledge the couple’s unique dynamic, Bell’s decision to quote her husband on a sensitive topic has left some followers feeling the joke crossed a line.
The “Frozen” star took to Instagram over the weekend to celebrate her 12-year marriage to Shepard. Alongside a photo of the couple sharing a hug, Bell wrote a caption that quoted her husband: “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.'” She continued the quote, adding, “‘Even though I’m heavily incentivized to kill you, I never would,'” followed by a red heart emoji.
The post immediately drew attention for its darkly comedic tone. Fans quickly took to forums like Reddit to voice their opinions, with reactions ranging from amusement to discomfort. One commenter noted the fine line of their humor, stating, “My husband and I say out-of-pocket stuff to each other because we know it’s a joke, but we don’t tell people. Especially not strangers.” Another simply concluded, “I’m glad they get each other’s humor. And I’m glad I do not.”
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This is not the first time the couple has pushed boundaries with their public disclosures. They have previously shared censored nude photos and openly discussed topics like sex and parenting. However, the anniversary joke touched a nerve for some who felt that certain topics, even in jest, are better kept private. As one person summarized, “making these kinds of jokes in private… can be completely fine, but telling the rest of the world is just weird.”
The controversial post comes on the heels of Bell publicly celebrating a major milestone for Shepard: 21 years of sobriety. In a heartfelt tribute, she thanked him for his commitment, highlighting the profound positive impact it has had on their family. The contrast between the two posts underscores the couple’s complex public persona—one that blends raw, sincere admiration with edgy, and at times polarizing, humor.
