Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden have been happily married since 2015, sharing two children, Reddix, 5, and Cardinal, 1. Their relationship, however, is not just about love and family; it also involves a unique dynamic of respect and, as Benji revealed on a recent podcast, a "healthy fear" of their wives. This sentiment was echoed by Joel Madden, Benji's brother, who also spoke about his own marriage to Nicole Richie.
During an appearance on SiriusXM’s "Literally! With Rob Lowe," Benji and Joel discussed their relationships with their spouses, highlighting the strength and influence their wives hold in their lives. Benji, 46, expressed his admiration for Cameron, calling her "powerful" and noting that their marriage felt like everything in the world fell into place when they met. "It's a whole foundation," he explained. "Like Cameron, when we met, it was like the world just went like this right side up."
Joel Madden, married to Nicole Richie since 2010, also shared his thoughts on the matter. He remarked, "I respect her and I am a little afraid of her," indicating that while they are partners, there are aspects of his life that depend on Nicole's leadership. He noted, "There are aspects that I control, but there is a whole part of my life that wouldn't work without her. And she has made my life so much deeper and richer because of the aspects of my life that she controls, that she controls, and vice versa." This mutual respect and acknowledgment of each other’s strengths appear to be a cornerstone of their marriages.
Rob Lowe, who has been married to Sheryl Berkoff since 1991, chimed in, agreeing with the sentiment expressed by the Maddens. "All three of us are married to strong women," he noted, emphasizing the commonality in their experiences. The conversation highlighted how their wives are not just partners but formidable forces in their lives.
In addition to discussing their dynamic, the podcast also touched on the topic of separate living arrangements. Cameron Diaz previously made headlines when she suggested on Molly Sims' "Lipstick on the Rim" podcast in December 2023 that married couples should consider normalizing separate bedrooms. "To me, I would literally – I have my house, you have yours. We have the family house in the middle. I will go and sleep in my room. You go sleep in your room. I’m fine," she explained. However, she clarified that her views had evolved since marrying Benji, stating, "I don't feel that way now, because my husband is so wonderful. I said that before I got married."
Benji's admission of a "healthy fear" of Cameron Diaz reflects a broader theme of respect within their relationship. He noted, "They still need a strong counterpart, but you have to also not have the ego." This perspective is echoed by Joel, who emphasized the importance of recognizing their wives as equals and partners, stating, "We all respect our wives. They are absolutely our counterparts, and we all have a healthy fear of our wives. In the best way."
The Madden brothers' candid remarks about their marriages reveal a refreshing take on modern relationships, where respect and admiration take precedence over traditional notions of masculinity. The acknowledgment of their wives' strengths and the dynamic of power within their relationships challenge stereotypes and offer a glimpse into their personal lives.
As the conversation continued, Rob Lowe humorously remarked, "You don't wanna f--- with them. I want no part of running afoul of any of our three wives," underscoring the strong personalities of the women in their lives. Benji added, "That's the queen. Go against my wife? Good luck. I don't even need to get involved." This lighthearted exchange highlighted the camaraderie among the men and their shared understanding of the importance of their wives' influence.
Overall, the discussion on SiriusXM provided a candid look into the lives of Benji Madden, Joel Madden, and Rob Lowe, showcasing their respect for their wives and the strength of their relationships. As they navigate their personal and professional lives, the Maddens exemplify a modern partnership built on mutual respect, love, and a touch of healthy fear.