The former Bachelor star expresses her anger over years of mocking remarks about her daughter Alessi
Category: Arts & Culture
In a recent social media outburst, Lauren Burnham Luyendyk, known for her appearance on The Bachelor, has publicly called out podcast host Alex Cooper for years of inappropriate comments made about her daughter, Alessi. This controversy reignited on May 1, 2026, when Burnham shared her frustrations in a TikTok video, expressing her anger over Cooper’s past behavior that began when Alessi was born in 2019.
Burnham, 34, detailed how Cooper and her then-co-host Sofia Franklyn had a regular segment on their popular podcast, Call Her Daddy, where they mocked her unborn child. "Make fun of us, don’t care. But they took it too far. They made a regular segment before she was born and after she was born where they were sexualizing our child and talking very inappropriately and disgustingly about her," Burnham stated in her TikTok.
The mocking comments started around the time Burnham and her husband, Arie Luyendyk Jr., welcomed their first child, Alessi Ren. In a resurfaced 2019 clip from the podcast, Cooper made a shocking remark, saying, "Baby Alessi has been a little on the brink of prostitution lately." This comment was part of a broader narrative where Cooper and Franklyn would regularly make fun of the couple's parenting choices and their baby.
Burnham explained that the segment was not just a one-off joke but an extended series of inappropriate comments that left her feeling furious. "They had this regular segment going and they thought it would be funny to make fun of our unborn baby," she said. This issue has resurfaced at a time when Cooper is already facing scrutiny due to other controversies, including a public feud with influencer Alix Earle.
Initially, Burnham considered taking legal action against Cooper and Barstool Sports, the original distributor of Call Her Daddy. "I was about to hire a lawyer. Honestly, they should be in big trouble for doing that. It’s not okay," Burnham said. Yet, she and Luyendyk opted to let the matter rest, hoping the jokes would eventually fade away. "We thought it would blow over. She just kept going on forever," Burnham lamented.
Now, with the issue resurfacing, Burnham’s anger remains fresh. "Eventually she stopped, and we kind of forgot about it. And now that it’s resurfacing again, it still makes me so furious," she expressed. This latest chapter in the saga highlights her personal grievances and raises questions about accountability in podcast culture.
Amid the renewed controversy, Burnham has publicly declared her support for Alix Earle in her feud with Cooper. In her TikTok, she stated, "It’s about time Alex Cooper gets called out. And yes, it’s personal." This statement signals that her issues with Cooper are deeply rooted and not merely about the podcast comments but also about broader ethical concerns in how Cooper conducts her business.
Burnham’s stance comes as she continues to navigate her own life as a mother of four young children, including Alessi, who is now six, and her younger siblings, twins Senna and Lux, aged four, and Livvy, who is just six months old. Balancing motherhood and public scrutiny, Burnham hopes that the current controversies surrounding Cooper will prompt a re-evaluation of how she seeks attention.
This situation raises questions about accountability within the podcasting industry. What may have started as a comedic segment has affected a real family, and Burnham's willingness to speak out suggests that silence can often be a strategic choice rather than an acceptance of behavior. The backlash against Cooper could lead to a broader discussion about the responsibilities of content creators, especially when their humor crosses ethical lines.
As Burnham stated, "I just hope that all of this controversy that’s hanging around her right now causes her to rethink the level that she is willing to stoop to get attention, views, whatever it is that she’s looking for because it’s not okay." This sentiment resonates with many listeners and parents who are concerned about the implications of such jokes in a public forum.
Cooper has not yet responded to the renewed allegations as of May 2, 2026, leaving many to wonder how this controversy will affect her brand and future endeavors. With the podcasting world growing rapidly, the treatment of sensitive topics, especially those involving children, is under increased scrutiny.
As discussions continue about the appropriateness of content in popular media, Burnham's revelations serve as a reminder of the real-life consequences that can arise from seemingly harmless jokes. The public reaction to this feud may very well influence how creators approach sensitive material in the future.
For those who suspect any form of child abuse or inappropriate behavior, resources like the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline are available at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, providing confidential support 24/7.
As this story develops, it remains clear that the intersection of fame, parenting, and public commentary is a delicate balance, one that requires careful consideration and respect for all parties involved.