Cameron Diaz kicked off the weekend with a big announcement – she and her husband, Benjamin Madden, have welcomed their second child. But the news led to strong reactions, both positive and negative, shared on social media.
Cameron Diaz arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere “Sex Tape” at Regency Village Theatre on July 10, 2014, in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images
While Cameron Diaz and Benjamin Madden won’t be sharing any pictures to protect the identity of their newborn son, netizens focused on another aspect of the situation. Surrogacy, and Diaz’s age, became the main topics of conversation.
Social media users were baffled as to why Diaz would want to add a newborn to the family at her age. “Who the heck wants to become a parent at 51 years old?” An Instagram user wrote, seconded by others who “can’t imagine raising a baby at 51,” and “could never have a baby at that age.”
Cameron Diaz attends the MPTF Celebration for health and fitness at The Wasserman Campus on June 10, 2016, in Woodland Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
“Think that’s crazy to have a baby at 51,” one netizen opined as the happy news circulated online. “They’ve been together for so long, why wait until your 50s to have kids?” an Instagram user questioned. “Lovely for them. But I feel sorry for the person who will have to live the majority of their adult life without parents,” another noted.
Cameron Diaz attends the after party for the New York premiere of “My Sister’s Keeper” at Loeb Central Park Boathouse on June 24, 2009, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Several social media users brought up the question of surrogacy. “Omg. She is so old, I hope they have a surrogate,” one wrote. “Through surrogate is what the headline is missing,” another added.
Cameron Diaz speaks onstage at a Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation dinner honoring DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg on April 25, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
Some of the negative comments received backlash from fellow Instagram users. “Dear lord, ya’ll act like she’s 51, wheelchair-bound and in a nursing home. She’s a very active woman and clearly is able to raise her child (sic),” a netizen fired back, seconded by another’s comment, “Male actors in their 80s having babies with younger women!…But surrogacy for a female actress in her 50s is a problem? Get a life, do something good for someone else, and stop judging.”
Cameron Diaz seen arriving at the BBC Radio 1 Studios on December 16, 2014, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Diaz also received support on social media, as some thought it was “about time for her” to expand her family. “Wow! I thought she didn’t want kids, I’m not sure, but good for them. That’s so sweet that she has a little one now,” wrote another.
Cameron Diaz seen on the streets of Chelsea on November 25, 2014, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The actress indeed went through a time when she thought she would never marry or have children.
“This was just fear. Yeah, I was just scared. I was afraid I wouldn’t, you know, find a partner. I had no luck,” Diaz told Gwyneth Paltrow during an interview.
Cameron Diaz during an “In Conversation” interview with Gwenith Paltrow speaking about motherhood | Source: YouTube/goop
But then she found a partner in Benjamin Madden, and the pair rang in the new decade in 2020 with their first child and daughter, Raddix Madden.
However, Diaz doesn’t see becoming a mother later in life as a hindrance. Having grown as a person, Diaz explained that she can now go “into the consciousness of parenting” from a place of non-judgment having expanded as a person.
Cameron Diaz poses before signing copies of her new book “The Longevity Book: The Science Of Aging, The Biology Of Strength And The Privilege Of Time” at Barnes & Noble at The Grove on April 13, 2016, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
“I think it’s part of being an older mother, you know. I mean like being a mother at the age that I am, I don’t think I could have been this parent at 25,” she said.
Cameron Diaz poses at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards Press Room at Gibson Amphitheatre on May 31, 2009, in Universal City, California | Source: Getty Images
Thoroughly enjoying motherhood, Diaz sees her influence over their development as a highlight.
“All mothers have this moment where you are watching your child, and they are doing something for the first time, and you like, ‘I remember doing that,’” Diaz mused.
Now a mother of a girl and a boy, Diaz’s experience of motherhood is about to expand, and the couple couldn’t be happier after the arrival of the latest edition to their now family of four.
Guitarist Benji Madden and actress Cameron Diaz attend House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE on June 2, 2016, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The couple shared their elation, stating, “We are blessed and excited to announce the birth of our son, Cardinal Madden❤️.”
The announcement was accompanied by an artistic image that speaks volumes. The snapshot’s phrase “A little bird whispered to me” seems to be a creative nod to their son’s unique name, ‘Cardinal,’ which refers to a vibrant red North American bird.
In an affectionate note to their fans, the parents expressed their contentment and assured fans of their son’s charm: “He is awesome and we are all so happy he is here!” They emphasized their intention to protect their child’s privacy, “For the kid’s safety and privacy we won’t be posting any pictures.”
Gratitude and love are the central themes of their message as they conclude with heartfelt thanks. “We are feeling so blessed and grateful,” they said, reaching out to their community, “Sending much love from our fam to yours ✨ Best wishes and Good Afternoon!!”
Diaz is also a devoted and loving mother to her little daughter, Raddix, whom she shares with her doting spouse and musician. The couple have been married since 2015.
Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz at a Lakers game in Los Angeles, California on January 27, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
In 2019, the lovebirds became first-time parents when they welcomed Raddix on December 30. As private parents, Diaz and Madden similarly didn’t post a picture of Raddix when they announced her birth.
