Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed have issued an apology after Ian admitted to flushing her birth control pills down the toilet in a recent interview.
During an interview on Dr. Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy Podcast, the couple, who welcomed their daughter Bodhi in July, shocked listeners after telling a story about Ian throwing away Nikki’s birth control.
The Vampire Diaries star said,”We decided that we wanted to have children together, and it was just time. But unbeknownst to poor Nikki, she didn’t realize that I was going to go in her purse and take out her birth control,” he said. “By the way, it was the beginning of the pack, so I had to pop all those suckers out.”
The couple were both laughing during the interview, but received backlash as fans accused Ian of coercing his wife of two years into having a baby.
Yesterday, the couple issued a statement on Twitter, which read, “To anyone who has been affected by reproductive coercion, we are deeply sorry.”
“That is an extremely serious issue, and women’s rights is something that is incredibly important to both of us. It is something we’ve been very vocal about, and something that is very close to our hearts.
“We never expected a lighthearted interview we did poking fun at EACH OTHER and how WE chose together to get pregnant. A goofy moment in Barcelona with our two best friends and the anticipation of our journey together as we went from two to three, to turn into something representing a very serious matter.
“However, if this somehow sheds light on a topic that definitely needs mainstream attention, then we are grateful for the unintended consequence. It’s a shame that outlets chose this as their way into a very serious discussion, as we are certainly not qualified to be the faces of this topic.”
“We are two happily married people who chose TOGETHER to have a baby. The end. Love, Nikki and Ian.”
A note from us! pic.twitter.com/qRwOUclDAK
— Ian Somerhalder (@iansomerhalder) September 23, 2017
However, before the couple apologised, Nikki took aim at one particular journalist on Twitter for reporting the story.
“Quote from an article this morning claiming my husband tried to “force (me) into pregnancy?!” Oh and my favorite line “That is some unconsented bulls*** right there.
“My response: Yep. When you actually listen to the podcast (which I’m sure you didn’t) you’ll hear how UNFORCED I felt. Also, ‘unconsented’ bulls*** is you speaking on my behalf in a story admittedly taken out of context for the purpose of stirring up drama WITHOUT my approval. Don’t talk about consent to me.
Dear writer. Here’s my note to you on irresponsible journalism. pic.twitter.com/eiS8M4y3D0
— Nikki Reed (@NikkiReed_I_Am) September 22, 2017
“And lastly, how dare you try to cast a dark shadow over one of the happiest most memorable days of my life — you’re not only disrespecting me but my baby. Oh and next time you try to stand up for women by writing an article “about women’s rights,” try properly conveying the way I felt.
“It’s a shame that this was your way in. You have a platform, write about things that matter by using truthful stories, not gossip. Thanks and goodbye,” she added.
