Kate Upton offered some clarification after sharing a post about a “drunk and high” dad that left fans alarmed.
“Hi everyone, I posted a scary emergency situation on my Story and I know many of you have been concerned,” Upton, 32, began in an Instagram Story post on Monday, December 9. “But a few people mistakenly thought the situation involved my husband.”
The model went on to note that she and her spouse, Justin Verlander, share a daughter, but she’s not the same age as the one in the original story. (The pair, who wed in 2017, welcomed daughter Genevieve the following year.)
“To clarify: we do not have a 10-year-old. Our daughter is 6, and Justin would never put her in such a terrifying or life-threatening situation,” Upton continued. “He is a wonderful father whose unwavering priority is ensuring our daughter is safe, loved, and protected every single day.”
In a second Instagram Story, Upton noted that her original post was actually about her niece.
“Navigating this situation to protect my niece has been so challenging, especially knowing that her safety is ultimately in the hands of professionals in Brevard,” she wrote. “The legal system can be so complex and in my opinion has raised alarming questions about whether the priority is protecting a father’s privacy and privilege over the wellbeing of innocent children.”
Upton concluded her update in a third post, writing, “My sister, Justin and I are doing everything we can to protect her. My niece inspires me daily with her bravery and resilience after facing a situation no child should endure.”
Last month, Upton shared a cryptic message about an unidentified father who had been driving under the influence with his child.
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“Truly asking … lawyers/judges/advocates/parents: A Dad, recently out of rehab is traveling alone with his 10-year-old daughter,” she wrote via her Instagram Story on November 15. “He gets drunk and high on pills, says he has a gun on him and threatens to SHOOT the taxi driver if he does NOT drop them off on the highway at midnight to walk home.”
Upton added a “Feedback” box to the post, allowing Instagram users to share their own thoughts on the situation. “Is this an emergency?” she asked at the time. “A crime? Would you be scared for your child?”
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model didn’t offer details about who she was referring to, but some social media users worried that she was talking about Verlander, 41. Monday marked the first time since her original post that she addressed the topic again.
