Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed have issued an apology after their story about the actor throwing out his wife’s birth control sparked controversy.
The new parents, who welcomed their daughter Bodhi in July, faced social media scrutiny this week after the Vampire Diaries star said he flushed his wife’s birth control pills down the toilet to start a family.
During an appearance on the Informed Pregnancy podcast, the couple explained they had made the decision together to have a baby – as they hoped to be able to raise kids alongside their friends, who were also ready to have a child.
But listeners were stunned to hear Ian admit her threw away the Twilight actress’ birth control, flushing it down the toilet in front of her.
The couple have now taken to social media to share how they never expected their story would be received this way, but were thankful that it drew attention to a serious issue.
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They issued a joint social media statement that read:
“To anyone who has been affected by reproductive coercion, we are deeply sorry.
“That is an extremely serious issue, and women’s rights is something that is incredibly important to both of us.
“It is something we’ve been very vocal about, and something that is very close to our hearts.
“We never expected a lighthearted interview we did poking fun at EACH OTHER and how WE chose together to get pregnant.
“A goofy moment in Barcelona with our two best friends and the anticipation of our journey together as we went from two to three, to turn into something representing a very serious matter.
“However, if this somehow sheds light on a topic that definitely needs mainstream attention, then we are grateful for the unintended consequence.
“It’s a shame that outlets chose this as their way into a very serious discussion, as we are certainly not qualified to be the faces of this topic.”
“We are two happily married people who chose TOGETHER to have a baby. The end. Love, Nikki and Ian.”
