Dax Shepard addresses rumors he’s ‘abusive’ to wife Kristen Bell after actress’ viral flirting reveal

Dax Shepard has rejected online claims that he is abusive or controlling towards his wife, Kristen Bell, saying the accusations are deeply insulting to both of them. He addressed the rumours on his podcast after comments Bell made about his habit of complimenting people at restaurants went viral.

Shepard said Bell was describing how he uses compliments and generous tips to flirt with her, not how he flirts with young waitresses; he said he often compliments men to brighten their day. He said the accusations are especially painful because he grew up around abusive men and has tried to act differently, including in how he treats Bell and their daughters, Lincoln, 13, and Delta, 11. The couple also faced criticism in 2025 after Bell joked in an anniversary post about Shepard saying he would never kill her.