Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-07**Lead**
Valerie Bertinelli, the Emmy-nominated actress and longtime Food Network host, has publicly clapped back at online trolls who accuse her of being “obsessed” with her late ex-husband, Eddie Van Halen. In a series of social media posts over the weekend, Bertinelli addressed the criticism head-on, defending her right to honor the memory of the iconic guitarist who died in October 2020 after a long battle with cancer. The backlash, which has simmered for months, intensified after Bertinelli shared a heartfelt tribute on what would have been Van Halen’s 70th birthday in January.
**Context**
Bertinelli and Van Halen were married from 1981 to 2007, and they remained close friends and co-parents to their son, Wolfgang Van Halen, after their divorce. The actress has been open about her grief in the years since Van Halen’s death, frequently posting photos, memories, and reflections on their time together. This openness has drawn a mixed response from fans and followers. While many have praised her vulnerability, a vocal minority has accused her of dwelling on the past and failing to “move on.”
The term “obsessed” has been a recurring theme in comments on her Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, with some users suggesting that Bertinelli’s continued public references to Van Halen are inappropriate given their divorce. In her latest response, Bertinelli did not mince words. She reminded critics that grief has no timeline and that her relationship with Van Halen was complex and deeply meaningful, extending far beyond their marriage. She also pointed out that she is not the only one who honors Van Halen’s legacy—his bandmates, fans, and family regularly celebrate his life and music.
Bertinelli’s son, Wolfgang, who is now the bassist for the band Mammoth WVH, has also faced scrutiny over how he handles his father’s legacy. The family’s public mourning has been a subject of tabloid speculation and social media debate, with some commentators questioning the appropriateness of sharing personal memories years after a divorce. Bertinelli’s latest posts are part of a broader pattern of celebrities pushing back against online harassment and the policing of grief.
**Análise**
This incident highlights a growing tension in celebrity culture: the expectation that public figures should perform grief in a way that satisfies audiences. When Bertinelli shares a memory of Van Halen, she is met with accusations of being stuck in the past. When she remains silent, she is criticized for forgetting him. This double bind is familiar to many who have lost loved ones, especially when the relationship was high-profile or ended in divorce. The trolls’ fixation on the word “obsessed” reveals a discomfort with the idea that a person can hold deep love and respect for an ex-spouse without it being pathological.
From a psychological perspective, experts note that grieving a former partner—especially one with whom you shared decades of life and a child—is a normal and healthy process. Bertinelli’s willingness to speak openly about her loss may actually help normalize the messy, nonlinear nature of grief. Her response also serves as a reminder that online platforms often amplify the loudest, most negative voices, while the majority of supporters remain silent. By addressing the trolls directly, Bertinelli reclaims her narrative and sets boundaries for how she will be treated in her own digital space.
**Fontes**
This article is based on publicly available social media posts by Valerie Bertinelli on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), as well as prior interviews and statements she has given to outlets such as People magazine and Entertainment Tonight regarding her relationship with Eddie Van Halen and her grieving process. Additional context comes from reports by the Associated Press and Billboard covering Van Halen’s death and legacy. No direct quotes from Bertinelli are reproduced here, but her general sentiments are paraphrased from verified posts and media accounts.