Lauren Burnham Luyendyk has publicly accused Alex Cooper of making inappropriate comments about her daughter Alessi on the podcast Call Her Daddy, reigniting a long-standing feud.
Why it matters: Burnham's accusations come at a time when Cooper is already facing scrutiny over her behavior and workplace allegations. This controversy raises questions about accountability in podcast culture.
Burnham accused Cooper of "sexualizing" her daughter Alessi in regular segments on Call Her Daddy that began around 2019.
The comments included mocking Alessi both before and after her birth, with references that Burnham described as "inappropriate and disgusting."
Cooper previously made a comment about Alessi being "on the brink of prostitution," which resurfaced in a viral clip.
Burnham expressed her anger in a TikTok video shared on May 1, 2026, stating that the situation still infuriates her years later.
Driving the news: The feud was reignited when Burnham called out Cooper in a TikTok, stating that the podcast hosts took their jokes too far. She emphasized that the segment involved sexualizing her child.
Burnham said, “Make fun of us, don’t care. But they took it too far,” highlighting her frustration with how the podcast addressed her daughter.
She revealed that she considered legal action against Barstool Sports, the podcast’s distributor, but decided against it, hoping the jokes would eventually cease.
Burnham noted that the comments were a regular segment, indicating a pattern of behavior that persisted for years.
She expressed hope that the current controversies surrounding Cooper would prompt her to reconsider her approach to gaining attention.
State of play: The tensions between Burnham and Cooper have resurfaced during a period of increased scrutiny for the podcast host.
Cooper is currently involved in a public feud with influencer Alix Earle, which has drawn attention to her behavior.
Burnham publicly sided with Earle, declaring her support on social media and calling for accountability concerning Cooper’s actions.
The resurfacing of Burnham's grievances adds another layer of complexity to Cooper's already tumultuous public image.
Fans have discussed the incident online, with some recalling the specific comments made during the podcast segments.
The big picture: Burnham's statements highlight broader issues within podcasting, particularly concerning how hosts address sensitive topics.
The comments made about Alessi raise ethical questions about the treatment of children in media, especially in comedic contexts.
Burnham’s willingness to speak out years later suggests that previous silence was a strategic choice rather than acceptance of the situation.
As podcasting continues to grow, the need for accountability and sensitivity in content creation becomes increasingly important.
Burnham’s call for change reflects a growing awareness among audiences about the impact of content on real lives.
What they're saying: Burnham has been vocal about her feelings toward Cooper and the podcast’s treatment of her family.
In her TikTok, she stated, “I just hope that all of this controversy that’s hanging around her right now causes her to rethink the level that she is willing to stoop to get attention, views, whatever it is that she’s looking for.”
Burnham previously addressed her issues with Cooper on The Unplanned Podcast, describing the comments as "classless" and inappropriate.
She expressed disbelief that parents would find humor in the sexualization of a child, emphasizing the need for more responsible content.
Burnham's frustration is compounded by the fact that the comments have resurfaced at a time when Cooper is already under fire for other controversies.
By the numbers: Burnham and Luyendyk Jr. welcomed their daughter Alessi in 2019, and the podcast segments began shortly thereafter.
Burnham and Luyendyk share four children: Alessi, 6, twins Senna and Lux, 4, and Livvy Rowe, 6 months.
The mocking of Alessi started when she was still unborn and continued through her early months of life.
Burnham's TikTok detailing her grievances gained traction, highlighting the renewed interest in the feud.
Cooper's podcast has faced various controversies, with the current feud adding to the scrutiny surrounding her brand.
What's next: As the situation evolves, the focus will likely remain on how Cooper responds to these allegations and the implications for her podcasting career.
Industry observers are watching to see if the mounting pressure will lead to changes in how Cooper conducts her business.
Burnham's public support for Earle suggests that the fallout from this feud may continue to affect Cooper's public perception.
With Burnham's statements gaining attention, there may be calls for greater accountability in the podcasting industry.
Cooper has yet to respond to the renewed allegations as of May 2, 2026, leaving fans and critics eager for her reaction.