Dax Shepard’s playful Instagram post celebrating Kristen Bell’s Emmy nomination for “Nobody Wants This” has sparked a mix of praise and controversy online. Here’s a look at the post and the reactions it generated.
Dax Shepherd shares scandalous snap of wife Kristen Bell in nothing but socks to celebrate her first Emmy nomination https://t.co/HPqwR6yFjh pic.twitter.com/6Y6irTwrUw
— Page Six (@PageSix) July 16, 2025
When a husband celebrates his wife’s Emmy nomination, you’d expect it to be a moment of joy. But leave it to Dax Shepard to stir up a whirlwind of reactions with his cheeky Instagram post. On July 16, 2025, the actor took to social media to congratulate his wife, Kristen Bell, on her nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Nobody Wants This.
View this post on Instagram
The playful post featured a photo of Bell in nothing but socks, caught in a quirky upside-down position. Shepard’s caption, which read, “People might not know everything that happens behind the scenes to create an Emmy-nominated performance like Kristen’s. This may or may not have been part of her training, but it felt right. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! [sic],” has quickly become a talking point across the internet.
While some fans appreciated Shepard’s unfiltered admiration for his wife, others were left questioning the appropriateness of the image and caption. “Well, that’s awesome to see a man unequivocally supportive of his wife in all aspects of her life—work, play, and more!! Congrats [sic],” one fan commented.
View this post on Instagram
However, not everyone was as positive. “Honestly, this feels like a Ryan Reynolds-type post … the ones where he embarrasses his wife or crops her out. I don’t love it. Hope she’s okay with it,” wrote another Instagram user. Others felt the post sent the wrong message to younger audiences. “This is not something you should post with young girls at home … It sends the most inappropriate message to children,” one fan remarked.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Despite the backlash, some followers defended the post, emphasizing the couple’s lighthearted dynamic. “She’s not naked, people…. she CLEARLY has socks on! 🙄 God forbid a girl have a hobby,” one fan humorously countered. Others expressed admiration for Shepard’s openness and sense of humor.
View this post on Instagram
This Instagram moment sparked further conversations on Facebook, with some readers criticizing the post as “tacky” or inappropriate for Bell’s children. However, others defended Shepard’s playful approach, calling it “stunning” as long as Bell was comfortable with the image.
View this post on Instagram
The post came on the heels of Nobody Wants This earning three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress (Kristen Bell), and Outstanding Lead Actor (Adam Brody). Bell herself shared her excitement on Instagram, commenting on her nomination and expressing joy about her co-star’s recognition.
Shepard and Bell, who have been married since 2013, have built a reputation for their openness about their relationship. From candid discussions about therapy to navigating their rocky road to marriage, the couple has shared the ups and downs of their journey with fans.
In a 2019 interview with People Magazine, Shepard reflected on the couple’s dynamic, saying, “We had to work really hard at being a couple because we’re both incredibly, painfully stubborn, and we’re pretty much opposites.” Bell added, “Big time.” Despite their challenges, Shepard and Bell have always prioritized their trust in one another, which led to Shepard eventually proposing in 2009.
Their unconventional yet heartfelt approach to marriage and family life continues to captivate fans. Whether people laugh or cringe at Shepard’s social media antics, it’s clear that the couple is unapologetically writing their own love story.
