Dax Shepard: The Unfiltered Truth Behind Jonathan Van Ness Drama, Parenting Backlash, and Beyond

Dax Shepard. Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Dax Shepard is known for his outspoken nature, but it has sometimes caused him trouble.

In September 2023, the host of the "Armchair Expert" podcast made headlines after engaging in a heated debate with Jonathan Van Ness on the topic of gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Van Ness, who identifies as nonbinary and prefers all pronouns, became emotional as Shepard continuously questioned him on the subject. Eventually, Shepard apologized for his behavior.

In addition to Shepard's tense moment with Van Ness, he is no stranger to controversial commentary. One notable instance occurred in 2021 when Shepard and his wife Kristen Bell sparked a heated debate within Hollywood. During an appearance on The View, they admitted that they sometimes allow their young daughters to go several days without bathing. This revelation prompted discussions amongst parents and the public. The discussion further intensified when Shepard had Mila Kunis as a guest on his show "Armchair Expert." During their conversation, Kunis shared that she and her husband Ashton Kutcher only bathe their children when they visibly appear dirty. To understand more about Shepard's journey, continue scrolling for a recap of his ups and downs throughout the years.

Married Kristen Bell

In 2011, Shepard and Bell joined in matrimony. Six years later, Shepard, known for his role in The Good Place, shared with We in an exclusive interview about their marital experiences. Shepard expressed that he believes people underestimate the amount of effort invested in their relationship, but ultimately, it is all worthwhile.

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"It's challenging to navigate a relationship with another person, but if you make a commitment to it, you can develop a lasting sense of respect for that individual. Even if you have disagreements, your respect for them remains unchanged," she clarified. "On a day-to-day basis, he constantly brings laughter into my life. He craves attention and uses humor as a means to receive more of it or to simply make me laugh. It's worth mentioning that he was a stand-up comedian, so I find myself living with a comedian."

Podcast Success

The logline of Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast proudly embraces the complexities of the human experience. Since its launch in 2018, following years of Shepard's work in comedy and acting, the podcast has garnered critical acclaim, multiple award nominations, and has attracted a roster of high-profile guests, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Bill Gates, and Hillary Clinton.

Parenthood

Shepard's stint on the popular dramedy lasted from 2010 to 2015, but it wasn't until 2013 that he experienced fatherhood firsthand with the birth of his and Bell's first daughter, Lincoln. Two years later, the couple joyfully welcomed their second daughter, Delta.

"When I encounter failures in life, I find solace in returning to my home and embracing my role as a father," Shepard exclaimed passionately during a SXSW panel held in March of 2023. "It is an incredibly profound and life-altering experience; one that reaffirms my purpose and existence."

He went on to express, "There is no feeling that can surpass the joy of being a dad. It has undeniably been the most extraordinary event in my life."

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Bathing Controversy

Despite being A-list parents, Shepard and Bell faced backlash after admitting that they occasionally only bathe their daughters once a week.

"George, we found ourselves saying, 'Hey, when was the last time you cleaned them?'" Shepard shared on The View in 2020, acknowledging that there were occasions where they went without bathing their daughters for "five or six days" before.

"As soon as you catch a scent, that's biology's way of alerting you to the need for cleanliness," Bell playfully remarked. "It's a warning sign, because ultimately, it's just bacteria. And once bacteria sets in, you have to make sure they get in the tub or shower."

Addiction and Relapse

Shepard has long been candid about being an addict — and bravely came forward to speak about his relapse in 2020.

Shepard shared on "Armchair Expert" that throughout his 16 years of sobriety, he experienced moments of relapse. He admitted to having "cycles" of taking excessive prescription medication after a motorcycle accident in 2012. However, it was at his 16-year sober celebration when he realized he needed to acknowledge his struggles, as he found himself high. He reflected on witnessing many friends go through a similar cycle and now humbly acknowledges that he will not be exempt from it. He recognized that he will not be unique or more intelligent, but will be just like anyone else facing these challenges.

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Jonathan Van Ness Drama

Shepard and Van Ness' conversation on "Armchair Expert" in September 2023 took a negative turn when Shepard acknowledged the opposition to gender-affirming care.

"There are individuals who feel uneasy about teenagers undergoing transition. There is concern about their potential change of mind. However, there is also the counterargument that if they reach a point of desperation where they contemplate suicide, that is an irreversible tragedy. Questioning this topic automatically labels you as an enemy, and I don't believe that is the path towards progress," Shepard stated.

Van Ness responded passionately, leaving nothing unsaid.

"I identify as a nonbinary transgender person," they asserted. "It can be challenging to remain composed when conversing with my dad or individuals who express similar viewpoints. I want to clarify that I am not accusing you of being transphobic. It is possible for someone to hold thoughts that promote trans misogyny or subscribe to transphobic ideologies or beliefs without necessarily being transphobic themselves."

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Shepard offered an apology, however, Van Ness was deeply affected by their conversation. He tearfully expressed, "I'm exhausted from constantly fighting for young children who simply desire inclusion. I wish people displayed the same level of passion for ensuring the inclusion and growth of young children as they do for advocating for fictional gender equality in sports. I must confess, I am extremely weary."

If you or someone you are acquainted with is facing challenges related to substance abuse, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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Dax Shepard