Elena Perminova, a prominent Russian model, recently ignited a heated debate online following her posting of a video in which she is seen bathing with her three-year-old son, Alexander. The clip, shared on her Telegram channel, captures a tender moment between mother and child, with Perminova expressing her affection in the caption: "It's a magical age when you are a whole universe. How I adore it! In such moments, every mother wants to stop time, right? These conversations of ours about everything, the pure and unique spontaneity of childhood!" As reported by various sources on March 23, 2025, her attempt to showcase the beauty of motherhood has set off waves of criticism regarding the appropriateness of her actions.
With over a million followers, Perminova has always been a figure of interest in Russian celebrity culture. However, following her recent separation from billionaire Alexander Lebedev, with whom she shares four children, and her budding relationship with 29-year-old model Taras Romanov, her private life has become a topic of public debate. Shortly after the video was shared, several followers expressed disapproval, questioning the propriety of a mother bathing with her son, especially in a potentially unclothed state. One commenter bluntly asked, "Why are you lying naked with the child?"
In defense of her video, Perminova quickly responded to the critics with her own comment, saying, "Should I be in a costume? In tights? Isn't a swimsuit enough?" This exchange highlights the polarized views on parenting amid the spotlight. While many supported Perminova, asserting that her son is still quite young and that she does not owe anyone an explanation for her parenting style, others remained adamant about the boundaries that should be observed between mothers and their growing children.
The backlash has been particularly sensitive, considering societal attitudes toward parenting and nudity. Some parents chimed in, noting their discomfort with similar practices. A user commented: "I have a daughter, but I would never bathe with her. There’s nothing wrong with sitting next to the bath and having a conversation while she plays. Maybe she's saving on hot water?" Such comments reflect a broader quandary about evolving norms in parental behavior and the role of celebrities as examples.
As the story unfolds, observers are reminded of the turbulent dynamics of celebrity parenting in modern media. The backlash against Perminova is not isolated; it ties into a well-documented history of judgment faced by celebrities for their parenting choices. With the rise of social media, such platforms amplify reactions, making public figures like Perminova subject to immediate critique. Many users remarked, as another put it, "Why make this intimate moment public? It seems odd considering everything that has happened in her life recently. It's not like she's a stranger to scrutiny."
Elena's recent divorce from Alexander Lebedev was finalized after nearly 20 years together, leading her to navigate both parenthood and new romantic horizons as a single parent. With her new relationship with Romanov, who is over three decades younger, she exemplifies changing societal norms regarding age and romance in high-profile pairings. The couple has reportedly been sighted together on several occasions, including a recent vacation in Courchevel, and they were seen at a Moncler fashion show, further hinting at their growing connection.
Despite the criticism, many are rallying behind Perminova, defending her right to share her life and experiences as a mother. Commentators in her support argue that parenting styles vary widely and that moments of closeness, like bathing together, shouldn’t necessarily be viewed through a lens of scandal. The debate continues to unfold online, reflecting wider cultural dialogues about privacy, parenting, and the expectations placed on mothers in the spotlight.
This incident brings into question the nature of celebrity culture, where personal moments become public fodder for opinion and judgment. Perminova’s experience serves as a reminder of how societal standards shift and how they impact public perceptions of motherhood. For her, while some cherish the candid portrayal of her life with children, others caution against what they perceive as blurred lines in parental boundaries.
Nonetheless, this discourse underscores the importance of dialogue—in parenting, societal norms, and the challenges of celebrity life—reminding us that behind every viral video is a real human experience filled with complex emotions and decisions. The outcome of this public discussion may not change how Perminova raises her children, but it surely reflects the ever-evolving scrutiny that comes with being a public figure today.
