Alec & Hilaria Baldwin Welcome Their Seventh Child—But Not Without Controversy

Expanding a family is always a special milestone—especially when done with love and shared excitement. For Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, welcoming a new baby has become a familiar joy, as the couple has been steadily growing their family since they married in 2012.

But while their latest addition should have been a cause for celebration, it instead sparked heated debate across social media.

A Love Story That Led to a Growing Family
Alec Baldwin met Hilaria in 2011, and the two wasted no time building a life together. The following year, they tied the knot, and by 2013, they had already welcomed their first child.

Over the next decade, the couple expanded their family at an impressive pace, having five more children together—including one via surrogate—before announcing in April 2022 that they were expecting baby number seven.

Fans flooded their social media with congratulations, amazed at how the Baldwins continued to embrace parenthood with such enthusiasm.

Finally, on September 22, 2022, Hilaria took to Instagram to introduce their daughter:

“She’s here! We are so excited to introduce you to our tiny dream come true, Ilaria Catalina Irena.”

She shared a heartfelt post featuring photos and videos of the newborn, revealing that baby Ilaria was born weighing 6 lbs. 13 oz. and that both mom and baby were healthy and happy.

Her announcement also highlighted how overjoyed the Baldwin children were about their new sibling.

“Her Baldwinito siblings are spending the day bonding and welcoming her into our home,” she wrote, before signing off with: “Much love to you all. We are so happy to celebrate this wonderful news with you.”

Public Backlash Over Baby No. 7
While many congratulated the couple, their growing family also stirred controversy.

This was Alec Baldwin’s eighth child in total—he shares his oldest daughter, Ireland Baldwin, with ex-wife Kim Basinger—but it was his seventh with Hilaria, a number that led some to question why they continued having children at such a rapid rate.

In response, Hilaria addressed the scrutiny in a candid Instagram post:

“When people ask or comment, we often go to silly and self-deprecating jokes on my part. I love to laugh at myself—so it’s all good… keeps me sane. All jokes aside, however, I am grateful for this experience.”

She went on to express her deep appreciation for motherhood:

“I know too well the joys and the losses, the beauty and the heartache that motherhood brings. I have learned to respect and embrace the wonderful, the hard, the uncomfortable, the magical, and the unknown of this incredible process I am so blessed to experience again and again.”

Clearly, for Alec and Hilaria, family is everything.

But despite her heartfelt words, a new controversy quickly overshadowed the conversation—the baby’s name.

Why Baby Ilaria’s Name Sparked Outrage
Hilaria and Alec Baldwin are known for giving their children Spanish-inspired names, a choice that had mostly gone unchallenged in the past.

However, following the 2020 scandal in which Hilaria was accused of faking Spanish heritage—including allegations that she altered her accent and even changed her name from Hillary to Hilaria—many people were not amused by their latest name choice.

Critics took to social media:

“Her blatant trying to be Spanish is really quite irritating. Why is it okay? Why does she keep trying?”
“Fake Spanish name from a Boston-born mom.”
“Not one American name, not even a middle name?”
“Alec Baldwin’s wife faking being Spanish is so crazy. Changing her name from Hillary to Hilaria, naming all 7 kids Spanish names, pretending to forget the English word for ‘cucumber,’ faking an accent… she should’ve changed her name to Hilarious instead.”
The backlash highlighted lingering resentment over the 2020 controversy, where it was revealed that Hilaria Baldwin was not actually Spanish but was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, with no direct ties to Spain.

This led many to believe her continued use of Spanish-inspired names for her children was an attempt to maintain a cultural identity that wasn’t hers to claim.

However, some came to her defense, pointing out that Ilaria is actually an Italian name—meaning cheerful—and was popular in Italy long before 2006.

Alec & Hilaria: Unbothered by the Drama
Despite the online debates, Alec and Hilaria seem unfazed by the criticism. They continue to embrace their large family with joy, shutting out negativity and focusing on their children.

In a statement to People Magazine, the couple shared their excitement over Ilaria’s arrival:

“How grateful we feel to welcome our newest little daughter into this world. Just as magical and filled with love as every other little person we have been blessed with.”

Regardless of public opinion, the Baldwins remain dedicated parents, seemingly unbothered by the backlash and continuing to live life on their own terms.

At the end of the day, whether people love or hate their choices, the Baldwins aren’t letting the noise affect their happiness.