Chris Hemsworth Addresses Rumors About Elsa Pataky After Wild Bull Riding Incident
In a surprising turn of events, Chris Hemsworth has publicly addressed rumors surrounding his wife, Elsa Pataky, following their family’s controversial appearance at a rodeo event featured in a viral Instagram post in January 2025. The speculation erupted after Pataky shared a video of their children, India Rose, 12, and one of their twin sons, Sasha or Tristan, 10, attempting to ride bulls at a rodeo, an outing that drew criticism from animal rights groups like PETA. Amid the backlash, rumors swirled about Pataky’s emotional state and the couple’s relationship, prompting Hemsworth to clarify the situation during an interview with E! News on August 20, 2025, in Sydney.
The rodeo event, dubbed “Rodeo Night” by Pataky, showcased their children’s daring attempts at bull riding, with both falling off quickly but safely. Pataky’s caption, “Starting the year with a little bit of adrenaline! I almost have a hard attack!” reflected her anxiety, but the post sparked outrage, with PETA condemning the event as “cruelty to animals” and some fans calling it “dangerous and irresponsible” for the children. The controversy intensified when Pataky turned off comments on the post, fueling speculation that she was overwhelmed or distancing herself from public scrutiny. Some media outlets even suggested strain in her marriage to Hemsworth, citing their recent time apart while he filmed in Europe.
Hemsworth set the record straight, stating, “Elsa is doing amazing, as always. She was just caught up in the moment at the rodeo, like any parent watching their kids take on something wild. There’s no drama here.” He emphasized their strong partnership, noting that the family’s adventurous spirit is a shared value, instilled in their children through activities like surfing and dirt bike riding. The Thor star also addressed the criticism, acknowledging the concerns but defending the event as a supervised, family-oriented activity, saying, “We’re Aussies. This is part of our culture, and the kids were safe with helmets and gear.”
The couple, married since 2010 and parents to three, have faced similar rumors before, often dismissing them with humor or joint appearances, like at the Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga premiere in 2024. Despite recent reports of time apart due to work—Hemsworth filming Limitless: Live Better Now in Romania while Pataky stayed in Byron Bay—their bond remains solid. Pataky’s own words in a 2025 Hello! interview reinforce this, describing their marriage as “constant work” but rooted in mutual support.
The rodeo controversy, while divisive, has not shaken the Hemsworth-Pataky family’s unity. Hemsworth’s clarification aims to quell rumors, reaffirming that Pataky is “thriving” and their family life is as vibrant as ever, despite the challenges of public scrutiny.
