When Candace Cameron Bure posed for photos with her husband, she likely never imagined they would turn heads, but one of them did. Critics quickly called what they saw “inappropriate,” but the actress of “Full House” fame had a different opinion and issued a blunt response for anyone who didn’t approve.
Over the years, actress Candace Cameron Bure has become known for much more than her role as DJ Tanner on “Full House” and its sequel series “Fuller House.” She’s also become a vocal Christian. That seems to be why a photo of the actress with her husband, ice hockey player Valeri Bure, drew criticism after it was posted to social media, where it was quickly called “inappropriate” by critics who didn’t approve.
The controversy began on an otherwise mundane Friday after Candace posted a sweet photograph of her and her husband standing on a bridge. The couple, who had been married for 24 years at the time the photo was captured, appear happy as Valeri kisses Candace’s cheek and she smiles dreamily, obviously enjoying her husband’s affection. All seems well until fans swipe to the next photo in the seemingly innocent post.
Although the second image is taken at the same location, there is a stark difference that fans quickly noticed. Appearing less serious and a bit goofy, the couple grins at the camera as Valeri’s hand rests on his wife’s chest, directly over her breast, as she smiles widely. Seemingly acknowledging the contrast between the two photos, Candace wrote, “Sweet and spicy,” in the caption, along with “24 years and counting.”
While the images were likely meant to show that a long marriage can still have all the passion, fun, and “spice” newlyweds are typically known to enjoy, they drew criticism from her fans, who didn’t think it was appropriate. Of course, Candace felt differently, but before we get to that, let’s take a look at the image that stirred some intense criticism and debate on social media:
Many were perfectly okay with the image and what Valeri was seen doing in it, even referring to it as “relatable.” However, there were many who had a different opinion about the affectionately playful snap, and they were less than supportive, criticizing the placement of her husband’s hand on her chest and calling it “inappropriate” for the Christian couple, according to TODAY.
Facing online criticism and receiving a barrage of negative comments on her initial post, Candace was quick to defend the photo, her husband, and their actions as a married couple. Having been married for decades, Candace didn’t hold back, making it clear that, as far as she was concerned, she and her husband could share any kind of photo they wanted to, regardless of what any “fans” might think.
“For all the Christians that are questioning my post with my husband’s hand on my boob — my husband of 24 years — thinking it was inappropriate, it makes me laugh because it’s my husband. We have so much fun together,” Candace Cameron Bure said, defending the handsy photo in an Instagram story, according to E! News. “He can touch me anytime he wants, and I hope he does. This is what a healthy, good marriage and relationship is all about.”
Was she right? Well, looking at the facts, the Bures have been married since 1996, they have raised three adult children, and they’ve often expressed their love for one another, even admitting that marriage isn’t always easy. “I couldn’t be more proud to be here and love my man the way I do. But let me assure you, it hasn’t been all roses the whole journey,” Candace wrote in 2016 for the couple’s 20th anniversary.
At a minimum, the longevity of their marriage would seem to indicate that the Bures have a handle on what it takes to withstand life’s challenges in order to sustain their union. However, that doesn’t mean that their behavior is necessarily Christian. To determine that, we’d have to turn to the Bible, and Proverbs 5:18-19 quickly comes to mind:
18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be intoxicated with her love. [New International Version]
While Candace Cameron Bure nearly took back her comments with an apology, she ultimately decided against it. “I’m sorry if it offended you … I’m actually not sorry. I’m glad that we have fun together after so many years and he can touch me all day long,” she said. As a happily married woman, I have to agree, since I feel the same way about my husband and his public displays of affection for me. The question becomes: is it appropriate to post those moments involving PDA on social media? And where should we draw the line?
Obviously, each person is entitled to their own opinion, but I find the snap encouraging. Too often, sex is viewed and discussed only as “sinful,” but physical intimacy is also a blessing of marriage that should be enjoyed by Christian couples, which I think Proverbs 5 makes abundantly clear. Maybe it’s good for others to see a healthy example of physical love between a Christian man and his wife, which is what I think the photo of Valeri and Candace Bure demonstrates. In the words of the late Bob Saget, “Love you guys, and congrats on second base!!!”
