Strictly’s Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg have faced criticism online after sharing photos and videos of their baby son on social media. The couple welcomed their first child, Bowden, earlier this year and have continued updating fans with glimpses into family life through vlogs and Instagram posts.
However, some followers have questioned how much of their son’s life is being shared publicly, particularly after the pair reportedly included him in sponsored content online. A discussion on Reddit saw several social media users debate whether celebrity parents should feature children so prominently online. One person wrote: “I was watching Dianne’s new vlog and does anyone else find it quite weird how much of baby Bowden they share?”
Many felt it was wrong to use the baby to make money (Image: Instagram)
They continued: “Surely they know the dangers? A few weeks ago I think they even included him in an ad while he was in the bath.”
Others echoed similar concerns, with one commenter writing: “I didn’t want to say before but this baby has clearly been used as a form of content for them and it’s a shame how much they share of their baby onto the internet which isn’t a safe place. Dianne’s views have gone up by a lot now she is a mother so I know they’re making £££ from the videos. I wish people would protect their children and their right to privacy. This digital generation I find so weird and I’m in my 20s – would never imagine putting my baby out their to the internet.”
Another person wrote: “I also think it is wrong to monetise off your child. Your child cannot consent.”
Someone else shared: “I honestly would’ve thought Joe would be the most strict about not having his baby online so I was very surprised when it became immediately clear that he was actually going to be the exact opposite. He allowed his dad the privacy of never being shown in his vlogs over the years.”
Joe and Dianne got together after dancing together on the 16th series of Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC)
Despite the criticism, both Dianne and Joe have long built their careers around sharing their personal lives online with fans. Joe first rose to fame on YouTube before appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, where he was paired professional dancer Dianne.
The pair have remained one of Strictly’s most popular couples ever since, frequently documenting their home life and relationship online.
Dianne is also expected to return to Strictly later this year after surviving the BBC show’s recent professional dancer shake-up.
Reports have suggested the dancer’s huge social media following helped strengthen her position on the programme, particularly as producers attempt to attract younger viewers through platforms such as TikTok.
Express.co.uk has contacted reps for Dianne and Joe for comment.
