Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder have apologized for their comments about Somerhalder throwing out Reed’s birth control before she became pregnant, Entertainment Weekly reports. After sharing on a podcast that Somerhalder tossed Reed’s birth control without her knowledge, the couple faced public backlash questioning the role of consent in her pregnancy.
Reed initially took to Twitter to negate those speculating about her reproductive rights. She wrote that she felt unforced in the decision and that “using a funny interview between married people and twisting it to perpetuate gossip is irresponsible.”
We should be talking about these things,but using a funny interview between married ppl &twisting it to perpetuate gossip is irresponsible
— Nikki Reed (@NikkiReed_I_Am) September 22, 2017
Although this was a story that was probably blown out of proportion, Reed and Somerhalder acknowledged those pointing out that Somerhalder's actions could be seen negatively. Reed later posted a joint statement on her Twitter account, setting the record straight.
A note from us... pic.twitter.com/3WNmrGYS7M
— Nikki Reed (@NikkiReed_I_Am) September 23, 2017
"To anyone who has been affected by reproductive coercion, we are deeply sorry," the message read. "That is an extremely serious issue, and women's rights is something that is incredibly important to both of us."
"We never expected a lighthearted interview we did poking fun at each other and how we chose together to get pregnant...to turn into something representing a very serious matter," it continued. "However, if this somehow sheds light on a topic that definitely needs mainstream attention, then we are grateful for the unintended consequence."
Although the couple shared a very private moment with others and received a negative response, they had the class to move past their own opinions and recognize that others have had similar, more unfortunate experiences regarding birth control. Perhaps this incident will become a helpful lesson for their infant daughter one day.