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Meghan McCain to keep details of pregnancy private due to social media trolls

'I believe children have a right to privacy'

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Friday 29 May 2020 17:05 BST
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Meghan McCain explains why she won't share details of pregnancy on social media (Getty)
Meghan McCain explains why she won't share details of pregnancy on social media (Getty)

Meghan McCain has opened up about her reasons for keeping details about her pregnancy private.

On Thursday, The View host, who is currently expecting her first child with husband Ben Domenech, revealed that she has decided not to share updates on social media because she does not want her baby exposed to hateful comments.

“People keep asking and requesting I show pics & details of my pregnancy,” the daughter of late Senator John McCain wrote on Instagram. “Given that people write on photos I put up of my family they are glad my Dad got cancer and he’s in hell, I thought I would leave my unborn child out of the social media cess pool as much as is possible.”

In the caption, the 35-year-old elaborated on her decision, explaining that she and Domenech made the conscious decision to “guard our (growing) family’s privacy as much as is possible” and that she believes children have a “right to privacy”.

McCain also reiterated that the “inhumane” bullying of her father, who died in 2018 from brain cancer, played a large part in her decision.

“A bunch of inhumane jackasses have really ruined so much for so many on social media and I learned a lot of hard lessons about cruelty that comes with being open and vulnerable about my personal life during my Dad's cancer fight,” McCain continued. “It is a shame.”

The talk-show host then acknowledged that her decision is “unorthodox” considering she is on TV five days a week, but that she’s “always lived by the beat of my own drum”.

McCain concluded the post thanking her followers who had shared kind words and support during her pregnancy, writing: “Thank you for the continued kind words, support and prayers regarding my pregnancy from so many of you who are nothing but kind.

“It has meant a lot during this crazy time.”

The post was met with support on social media, where McCain’s followers applauded her decision to keep details of her pregnancy private.

“A decision that is understandable in your situation. Already a protective mother. You are going to be a great mother!” one person commented.

Another said: “Good for you! Best wishes to you and your sweet babe!”

McCain announced she was pregnant in March, writing on Instagram at the time: “My husband Ben and I have been blessed to find out I’m pregnant.”

In the post, the soon-to-be mother also explained that her doctors had advised her to be “extra vigilant” about limiting the number of people she comes in contact with as a precaution against coronavirus, adding that she would be self-isolating at home.

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