Hilary Swank Apologizes for Criticizing Mom on Make-A-Wish Trip
Hilary Swank recently issued an apology for her reaction towards a mother taking her ailing children on a Make-A-Wish trip. The incident occurred at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where Jada Bafus, the mother of two terminally ill sons, encountered the Oscar-winning actress.
Incident at LAX Airport
Bafus was at baggage claim when she spotted Swank and briefly took out her phone. She intended to call her husband but was momentarily distracted by the star. Bafus described her reaction, saying, “I did a double take on her because it’s Hilary Swank and I am a fan of her movies.”
During the encounter, Swank reportedly exclaimed, “You got what you needed? Get what you came for? Enjoy that picture.” This moment caused Bafus distress, especially as it coincided with the beginning of her sons’ Make-A-Wish trip to Disneyland.
Details of the Apology
After the incident, Swank reached out to Bafus via Instagram to apologize. In her message, Swank expressed her concern about her own children being photographed. Bafus expressed her surprise at receiving the direct apology, stating, “I was taken aback.”
- Bafus’ Sons: Mason, 7, and Jack, 4, are battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A rare genetic disorder that leads to muscle weakness and is terminal.
- Swank’s Twins: Aya and Ohm, welcomed in April 2023.
Reactions to the Encounter
Bafus remarked that the situation was comical and unfortunate as it was her first encounter with a celebrity. Her husband, Bryan, also reflected on the unexpected nature of the encounter, noting his confusion regarding why a high-profile actress would be concerned about cameras.
Despite the initial misunderstanding, Bafus and her family expressed no hard feelings toward Swank. Bryan added, “We are not upset at Swank.”
Swank’s Perspective on Motherhood
Swank welcomed her twins in 2023 and has shared that being a mother is even more fulfilling than she anticipated. In a recent interview, she described motherhood as “dreamier than I imagined.”
This incident highlights the complexities of navigating experiences as a public figure and a parent, as Swank and Bafus both manage their respective family challenges.