Tristan Thompson, the Cleveland Cavaliers center, has found himself at the center of controversy after a recent Instagram post celebrating his daughter True's seventh birthday. On April 15, 2025, Thompson posted a heartfelt message along with photos of his children Prince, True, and Tatum, but notably excluded his youngest son, Theo, from the celebration. This omission drew significant backlash from fans, who criticized Thompson for not acknowledging all of his children in the post.
In his Instagram post, Thompson wrote, "Happy birthday Twinny!! My TuTu is 7 today!! I can’t believe how time flies. Momma you are literally the light that shines bright in my life. When I see you, I see mommy aka GiGi. True, you bring your brothers, mommy, and all your cousins so much happiness. You literally spark any room you walk in. You have the best soul ever; I’m so blessed to have you as my daughter. Keep being amazing each and every day. Daddy always got you. I can’t wait to play tag and jump on the trampoline. I love you, Twin."
Despite the loving nature of his message, many fans expressed disappointment over the absence of Theo in the photos. Comments flooded in, with one user stating, "Missing one of your children! Not a good dad unless you’re a good dad for all of your children." Another fan questioned, "Boy, where yo other kid?" Some defended Thompson, arguing that people should respect his choices regarding his relationship with Theo, who he shares with Maralee Nichols.
Thompson's relationship with Nichols has been complicated. Initially, he denied being Theo's father, as the child was conceived while he was still in a relationship with Khloe Kardashian. However, in 2022, he confirmed his paternity after a court ruling and has since been paying child support. In a statement at that time, he said, "Today, paternity test results reveal that I fathered a child with Maralee Nichols. I take full responsibility for my actions. Now that paternity has been established, I look forward to amicably raising our son."
Thompson and Kardashian's relationship has also been tumultuous, marked by a series of breakups and reconciliations since they began dating in 2016. They officially split in 2021 after Thompson's infidelity came to light, leaving many fans questioning his commitment to his family.
Meanwhile, in a different realm of celebrity controversy, actress Millie Bobby Brown has faced significant backlash for her recent collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a promotional advertisement. On April 10, 2025, Brown and her husband Jake Bongiovi starred in an ad titled 'Dubai: Find Your Story,' which aired on various social media platforms. The ad, produced by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, aimed to showcase the city's luxury and vibrant culture.
However, the response from netizens was overwhelmingly negative. Many criticized Brown for endorsing a country known for its wealth disparity, limited freedom of expression, and harsh treatment of LGBTQAI+ individuals. The UAE has also faced allegations of complicity in genocide related to its involvement in Sudan's Darfur region, further complicating its international reputation.
One social media user remarked, "Aren’t you a UNICEF ambassador? Why would you be endorsing the UAE, given what they’re doing to Sudan?" Another added, "Disappointed on Millie’s part. Dubai is founded in a way that is contrary to ecology while exploiting people to build and modernize this ‘country.’" Many likened her situation to that of her Stranger Things co-star Noah Schnapp, who faced backlash for expressing support for Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Critics have suggested that Brown may not have fully understood the implications of her sponsorship before agreeing to participate. While she has been a vocal advocate for various social causes, her partnership with Dubai has raised questions about her commitment to those values.
In addition to these controversies, the entertainment industry has seen a rise in criticism directed towards male celebrities regarding their social media behavior. Recently, actor Nam Yoon Soo faced backlash after reposting an image featuring a balloon sculpture that explicitly depicted female genitalia. Although he quickly deleted the post, the damage was done, and he later issued a formal apology, stating, "I deeply regret and apologize for the discomfort caused by the post that went up without my knowledge. I’ll be more careful moving forward."
This incident is part of a larger pattern of male actors being scrutinized for their online presence. In December 2023, actor Park Sung Hoon faced backlash for posting a parody of 'Squid Game' styled like an adult video cover, which led to his removal from the upcoming series 'Tyrant’s Chef.' Similarly, actor Kim Sung Cheol was criticized for engaging with a poll on a social media account known for objectifying female idols.
Cultural critic Ha Jae Geun commented on the trend, stating, "Depending on intent, these acts may not be illegal, but they can certainly influence young fans negatively. Celebrities need to take greater responsibility in managing their social media presence."
These incidents highlight the growing concern regarding the impact of social media on celebrity culture and the responsibilities that come with public visibility. As fans become increasingly vocal about their expectations, both Thompson and Brown are navigating the complexities of their public personas while facing scrutiny over their actions.
