Christina Haack has never shied away from living out loud — but her latest Instagram post has ignited one of the fiercest public backlashes of her career.
The HGTV star, 42, found herself at the centre of a social-media firestorm this week after sharing a steamy, highly provocative photo with boyfriend Chris Larocca to promote her new alcohol brand, Clé Cachée Champagne.
What was intended as a sultry marketing moment has instead divided fans — with critics accusing the mother-of-three of crossing a line and forgetting who might be watching.
A Champagne Ad That Poured Fuel on the Fire
The controversial image shows Christina crawling across a restaurant table on all fours, dressed in a skin-tight black halter gown and matching gloves, as she leans in to kiss Larocca. Her hand cups his face, their mouths inches apart, while a bottle of Clé Cachée Champagne lies dramatically spilled across the table — seemingly knocked over in the heat of the moment.
Larocca, for his part, appears rumpled and undone, his tie tossed aside as the pair lock eyes in a scene more reminiscent of a high-fashion perfume ad than a lifestyle brand promotion.
Christina captioned the image with a wink:
“The champagne made me do it.”
But while some followers applauded the post as “hot,” “fire,” and “iconic,” the backlash was swift — and brutal.
‘Your Children Might See This’
‘Your Children Might See This’
Within hours, Christina’s comments section filled with criticism — much of it focused not on the image itself, but on her role as a parent.
“Mom, while this pic is smokin’, it doesn’t need to be posted on social media,” one follower wrote.
“Your children look to you as an example. Is this really the message you want to send?”
Another added:
“At some point it has to become about the kids — not how sexy you can look or trying to keep a man.”
Others were less diplomatic:
“Dang girl, tone it down.”
“Enough already. Get a room.”
“Grow up — this guy will leave too if you don’t.”
Several commenters expressed concern that her children — Taylor, 15, Brayden, 10, and Hudson, 6 — could easily stumble across the image online.
“I feel bad for Taylor,” one user wrote bluntly.
“Be a role model.”
From HGTV Darling to Polarising Figure
From HGTV Darling to Polarising Figure
Christina’s journey from beloved HGTV star to headline-generating lightning rod has been anything but straightforward.
She first shot to fame in 2013 alongside then-husband Tarek El Moussa on Flip or Flop, captivating audiences with their chemistry and house-flipping prowess. At the time, they were seen as the picture-perfect couple of home renovation television.
But behind the scenes, cracks were forming.
In 2016, their marriage imploded amid reports of a volatile incident involving police at their home. The split stunned fans and marked the beginning of a far more public, scrutinised chapter of Christina’s life.
She moved on quickly, marrying British TV presenter Ant Anstead, with whom she welcomed son Hudson in 2019 — only for that relationship to end in another high-profile, bitter divorce marked by court battles over custody.
Her subsequent romance with real estate agent Josh Hall also collapsed, with the pair announcing their split in June 2024.
To many observers, the latest backlash feels less about one photo — and more about fatigue.
‘Trying Too Hard’ or Living Her Truth?
‘Trying Too Hard’ or Living Her Truth?
In January, Daily Mail exclusively revealed that Christina had been quietly dating Chris Larocca, the CEO of telecommunications company Network Connex. The couple made their red-carpet debut in May and have since been unapologetically public — packing on the PDA during holidays, events and now brand promotions.
Larocca, who has a 17-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, has largely stayed out of the spotlight — until now.
Supporters argue Christina has every right to embrace romance and sexuality on her own terms.
“She’s an adult woman promoting her business,” one fan wrote.
“Being a mom doesn’t mean becoming invisible.”
But critics insist the issue isn’t sexuality — it’s context.
“She built her career as a family-friendly figure,” one observer noted.
“This feels like a jarring shift.”
A Brand Boost — or a Reputation Risk?
A Brand Boost — or a Reputation Risk?
Whether intentional or not, the controversy has ensured maximum visibility for Clé Cachée Champagne. Marketing experts note that outrage often equals attention — and Christina’s post has been shared, debated and dissected far beyond her usual audience.
Still, the question remains: at what cost?
Christina has yet to respond to the criticism, leaving fans to wonder whether she’ll double down — or quietly retreat.
One thing, however, is undeniable.
Christina Haack knows how to command attention.
And once again, she’s proven that when she makes a move — the internet watches, judges… and reacts. 
