John Mulaney is speaking out in defense of his wife Olivia Munn.
After the Newsroom alum remarked that she doesn’t let the couple’s two kids Malcolm, 3,and Méi, 8 months, watch YouTuber Ms. Rachel’s kid-friendly content, the comedian revealed that the statement led to some unexpected criticism.
“An innocent comment my wife Olivia Munn made about what children’s programs we like,” he wrote in a post on his Instagram Stories June 11, “has somehow unbelievably been conflated with not caring about the deaths of children in Gaza.”
The 42-year-old noted that Olivia, 44, had begun receiving DMs with “violent and threatening comments and messages” directed at her and their children.
“The people doing this are so wildly out of line and so unhelpful to any conversation,” he continued. “You took a nothing comment to a dark and dangerous place. This kind of behavior isn’t activism.”
Days earlier, Olivia explained why Ms. Rachel (real name Rachel Griffin Accurso) isn’t an active presence in her household.
“I know kids love [Ms. Rachel],” she said in an interview with People published June 8, “but the thing is, if I can’t watch it, I’m not going to spend the rest of my life going crazy. These kid shows drive me crazy.” (The publication has since taken the interview down, citing “violent threats that escalated towards the interview subject and her family.”)
Rachel—who has called for humanitarian aid to be sent to children in Gaza—subsequently reacted to headlines focused on the remark, writing in a comment shared on Instagram June 9, “I’d rather you cover my advocacy for kids in Gaza.”
The YouTuber added that her statement was not directed at Olivia, noting that she doesn’t “care that she doesn’t want to watch the show” while sending “all my love to her and her family.”
Olivia subsequently issued a statement of her own, writing that she “never anticipated” her comment would have such a ripple effect.
“My comments were never meant to diminish the joy, comfort and impact she brings to so many families,” she wrote in an Instagram Stories post June 10. “I don’t want something taken out of context to be a moment that steals even a minute of joy for anyone.”
For more on John and Olivia’s family life, keep reading.
Welcome Méi
On Sept. 22, 2024, Olivia Munn and John Mulaney announced they had welcomed their second child, daughter Méi June Mulaney, via surrogate one week prior.
Baby Girl
Olivia and John shares several pics in their birth announcement for their baby girl, including this sweet photo of the three in the hospital.
Mother of Two
As part of her birth announcement for baby Méi, Olivia shared this pic of the two enjoying a sweet moment.
Family of Four
Méi joins big brother Malcolm, who was born in 2021. After her birth, Olivia and John shared pics of one of their first outings as a foursome.
Baby Bliss
Olivia also shared this pic of newborn Méi catching some zzz’s.
Time to Celebrate
John and Olivia celebrated Malcolm’s second birthday in November 2023.
Way to Go, Idaho
The parents took Malcolm to the Gem State in June 2023.
Little Moments
Olivia shared this photo of her family of three on Father’s Day 2023.
Life’s a Beach
John and Olivia hit the beach with Malcolm in March 2023.
Let Them Eat Cake
The couplerang in theirMalcolm’s first birthday in November 2022, with Olivia joking that her mom Kim was getting “impatient” with the cake-cutting.
Making Memories
John celebrated his 40th birthday with Olivia and Malcolm in August 2022.
Doting Dad
Olivia snapped a sweet moment between John and their son on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in April 2022.
New Parent Pals
The family of three posed alongside fellow parents Dan Levy and Rachel Specter with their daughter Penny.
4 Months
Olivia and John celebrated Malcolm turning 4 months old on March 24, 2022.
Birthday Boy
“Daddy” John cuddled with Malcolm on his 4-month birthdate before heading out to Texas.
Mommy & Me
The actress shared, “It’s been 4 months since the happiest, chillest baby came into my world.”
Love at First Sight
John peered over at his baby boy in this throwback photo from his birth. The comedian wrote in March 2022, “Four months ago I met a 6 lb boy who changed my life forever.”
Boys Reunited
Olivia captioned this adorable embrace with a teddy bear emoji.
In the Family
Olivia shared a pic of Malcolm with his grandma a.k.a. the “retired tiger mom.”
“Buttered Biscuit”
Olivia gushed over her baby boy.
Baby Playdate
Olivia and John introduced Malcolm to friends Henry Golding and Liv Lo Golding, as well as the couple’s daughter Lyla, in January 2022.
Dads on Duty
John and Henry were seen laughing as they held up their tiny tots.
New Moms
The friends snapped a selfie while introducing their babies.
First Friends
As Olivia wrote, “Malcolm met Lyla today.”
Sweater Weather
Olivia and John were pictured arm-in-arm during a sweet moment, seemingly gazing at their little one in January 2022.
A Visit From Uncle Pete
“Uncle” Pete Davidson visited Malcolm in January 2022.
Baby Kisses
John gave his son a kiss on the cheek.
Shhh!
Malcolm fell asleep in dad’s carrier during an outing at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, Calif.
New Year Together
The Newsroom actress celebrated New Year’s Day 2022 with a new pic of Malcolm.
A Walk With Dad
John shared a selfie with his Malcolm, kept cozy in a blue beanie, while they took a walk.
