Gianna D’Alessio says she’s facing intense online scrutiny after revealing that she married her former father figure, Greg, and that the couple is now expecting their second child.
D’Alessio, 32, shared in a series of social media posts last week that she and Greg — who she describes as a “father figure” from her early adult life — have been together for several years and are now building a family. The relationship, which began after her close personal connection with Greg evolved into a romantic partnership, has drawn both support and criticism online.
“People troll me for marrying my ‘dad,’ and say I’ll never have a normal relationship with anyone else,” D’Alessio wrote. “But this is my life, and we’re happy together.”
According to her posts, the couple welcomed their first child two years ago and are now expecting a second later this year. Supporters have praised her for being open about her choices, while critics have questioned the nature of the relationship and the way she frames the story.
Social media commentators on platforms including X and TikTok have debated the ethics and propriety of the couple’s relationship, with many pointing out that “father figure” can cover a range of non-biological roles. D’Alessio has repeatedly responded that all aspects of their relationship are consensual and that both partners are adults.
Experts in family dynamics note that unconventional relationships often spark intense public reaction, particularly when they involve roles traditionally associated with caregiving or authority. “When people hear terms like ‘dad’ or ‘father figure,’ there’s an automatic association with parent-child dynamics,” said Dr. Lena Hawthorne, a family therapist. “But legally and socially, what matters is the age and consent of the individuals involved.”
D’Alessio says she plans to continue sharing updates on her family life and hopes to shift the conversation toward broader acceptance of diverse family structures.
