Jon Bon Jovi opted to go shirtless and bare his torso amid a vacation in Sardinia, sparking controversy among the public who finds the situation distasteful and "creepy." Adding to the online backlash is the fact that the rockstar flashed his midsection during his son's honeymoon with the actress he recently wed in secret.
Enjoying some fun in the sun, Hollywood couple Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi were basking in the glow of celebrating their honeymoon in Sardinia when Jake's father, legendary musician Jon Bon Jovi, crashed the party. On June 27, the "It's My Life" artist ditched his shirt, ready for a day of relaxation, which the public is calling him out over.
Photos showed the 62-year-old singer sitting on a lounge chair in nothing but dark blue swim trunks, a black cap, and shades. He was joined by his beloved wife and mother of his children, Dorothea Hurley, who looked peaceful as she lay down beside him in a white cover-up, with a hat over her face.
Matching the chilled vibes of the day, the young newlyweds opted for swimming attire as well. Millie adorned a white one-piece swimsuit that had cut-outs underneath her bosom and at the back, and a long yellow shirt that was unbuttoned.
Her new hubby, on the other hand, rocked a white polo shirt and matching shorts. Blocking out the imposing sun rays, both completed their looks with sunglasses.
Several pictures show the whole family having a great time together, sharing laughs, lounging around poolside, and then enjoying a meal. Circulating the photos taken by Backgrid around public spheres, a media outlet took to Instagram to share photos of the family getaway.
Their caption accompanying the post reads, "Livin' on a p̶r̶a̶y̶e̶r̶ vacation! ☀️ Jon Bon Jovi was seen joining his new daughter-in-law Millie Bobby Brown and his son Jake on their honeymoon in Sardinia."
While Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea joining their son and daughter-in-law on their honeymoon shows how close the family is, many people think it is inappropriate, especially where the shirtless rocker is concerned.
"Personally I think it's creepy but whatever," remarked an Instagrammer. Similarly, another chimed in with, "Ewwww why?!" while someone else simply expressed, "Not ok."
A particularly heated social media user penned a lengthy message which stated, "Why would you go on your son and [daughter-in-law's] honeymoon? Strange. Her parents didn't go because they probably thought it was strange, [too]. 😡."
Referencing a statement made by another news outlet which mentioned, "Millie does NOT look happy about it… 😬," alongside an image of her with a straight face, a Facebooker wrote, "The look on her face says it all - she's not happy about it!"
Criticism continued with a person exclaiming, "That is sooo wrong!" and another observer echoing, "What an odd thing to do." However, amid the vitriol, some did not see an issue at all. "Well if he's paying," asserted a netizen while another said, "[What] a devoted Dad!"
Their day at the pool was only one instance where Jake's father and mother, who also share sons Jesse and Romeo Bongiovi and daughter Stephanie Bongiovi, were spotted on the honeymoon. Two days after Jon Bon Jovi's controversial shirtless moment, he and Dorothea joined Jake and Millie again for another excursion.
On June 29, the family was photographed taking a stroll in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, with Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea trailing behind the young lovebirds, giving them some time to themselves.
Hand-in-hand, Millie, and Jake appeared at ease as they took in the beautiful views of the Mediterranean island. For their summer stroll under the sun, the ladies opted for dresses and sandals while the men sported long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sneakers.
At some point during the vacation, Jon Bon Jovi found some time to take a picture with some fans who shared the snap on Instagram. "So the icing on [Denis'] Birthday cake was to sit next to @jonbonjovi and he was kind enough to have a picture after dinner. What a gentleman he was," captioned Joe Hartfield.
Jon Bon Jovi enjoying time with his family amid his son and daughter-in-law's honeymoon comes one month after Millie and Jake Bongiovi said, "I do." Speaking with a pop culture outlet earlier in June, the doting patriarch shared some details about the intimate ceremony.
"Fantastic, just a beautiful, small wedding. The bride looked gorgeous and Jake looked so happy. I've never seen him that happy. They're a wonderful young couple," the "Livin' on a Prayer" singer gushed.
Jon Bon Jovi has long been supportive of Millie and Jake's relationship and has defended their deep love for one another, especially when the two youngsters were met with public backlash concerning how young and fast they got engaged.
The 22-year-old popped the question to the "Stranger Things" star just two years after they started dating in 2021 when she was still a teenager. Jon Bon Jovi was elated to hear that the pair would be tying the knot, albeit at a young age.
"I don't know if age matters. If you find the right partner and you grow together — I think that would be my advice really, is growing together is wise," Jon Bon Jovi disclosed while speaking with Andy Cohen on "Radio Andy" in 2023.
He has also only spoken highly of Millie, who he believes is a great partner for his son. "I've gotten to know her in the last year, she works really hard [...] It is an accelerated version of what I went through 40 years ago and I think, with the support of family around them, they're gonna be great together," divulged Jon Bon Jovi in April.
While the young couple has only been married for a short while, their love for each other appears to only grow stronger over time.
Although details concerning their secret wedding have been kept on the low, with Jon Bon Jovi only sharing a few words about the big day, Millie Bobby Brown did share some insights when the duo were still in the planning stages, before they tied the knot.
After they got engaged, Millie shared several wedding planning updates. In August 2023, she admitted to having fun planning for the ceremony, adding it was an exciting time in her life.
She and Jake planned their wedding together and she said the experience was enjoyable and that they were both looking forward to their future together.
Whenever they met to discuss their wedding, they took a picture a moment during the planning process and Jake loved every second. Millie also stated that the couple would be keeping intimate details of their nuptials private.
Meanwhile, her "Stranger Things" co-star Matthew Modine shared another wedding update in March of this year (2024). He revealed he would be officiating Millie and Jake's ceremony.
The actor explained that he has a license to get people married and Mille thought it would be a good idea for him to wed her and Jake, who also agreed. That said, Matthew wrote wedding vows for the then-bride and groom-to-be who loved what he wrote for them.
Millie and Jake secretly tied the knot in a small family ceremony in the US in late May 2024, where their parents were in attendance. Reportedly, although the couple is legally married, having completed all the paperwork, they have plans for a bigger ceremony later this year (2024).
"It was a very low-key, romantic affair with their closest family with them as they said their vows," a source said of Millie and Jake's private nuptials. Shortly after it was revealed that the two had tied the knot, the couple displayed their wedding rings during a romantic stroll in New York City on May 27.
Millie wore a sporty crop top and low-rise pants, accessorizing with a white sweater, a newsboy hat, and sunglasses. She also flaunted her diamond engagement ring.
Jake complemented her look with blue shorts and a V-neck sweater. The couple appeared happy, sharing smiles and affection. This outing followed their trip to the Hamptons, where they were seen enjoying a car ride together.
Jake and Millie's secret wedding marks a significant moment in their young lives. With support from their families, they look forward to growing together.
