Rugby star Danny Cipriani and his Hollywood fiancée, AnnaLynne McCord, have found themselves at the center of a social media storm. The couple's decision to crowdfund their wedding expenses has raised eyebrows, especially given their combined net worth of $8 million (£5.9m). The couple's Honeyfund page invites guests to contribute "any amount" towards their dream wedding, covering expenses from the rehearsal dinner to honeymoon plans.
While some may see this as a modern twist on wedding gifting, not everyone is impressed. Critics have been vocal, with one particularly scathing comment coming from Cipriani's ex-wife, Victoria Rose O'Callaghan. Having parted ways with Cipriani in November 2023 after three years of marriage, O'Callaghan didn't hold back her thoughts on their funding strategy.
O'Callaghan, a neuroscience practitioner, didn't mince words when she addressed the couple's initiative. "It’s just plain tacky of them to hand round the begging bowl," she said, highlighting the irony of wealthy individuals asking for financial support. "Why don’t they go on OnlyFans? They’re selling every other aspect of their lives. Sell your bodies!" she quipped, suggesting an alternative way for the couple to generate funds.
“They’re even asking for money for the marriage licence. Donations for the honeymoon are just about acceptable, but they’ve both got the capacity to earn.”
Beyond her pointed remarks, O'Callaghan offered practical advice. She suggested they opt for a more modest celebration, like a backyard barbecue, instead of a lavish affair. "They’re silly to want a big do when they’re claiming to have no money," she jabbed, questioning their financial priorities.
Cipriani and O'Callaghan's relationship has evidently left lasting wounds. After their split, Cipriani had expressed hope for mutual well-being, but O'Callaghan was left feeling blindsided by the public announcement. Adding salt to the wound, she later sold Cipriani's personal items, including sports memorabilia, on Vinted, revealing he had left them unclaimed. "For months, actually, years, I’ve been paying for storage," she shared, expressing her frustration over his lack of responsibility for his past.
The public's reaction to Cipriani and McCord’s crowdfunding effort has been mixed, with some defending their choice as a modern approach to wedding planning, while others echo O'Callaghan's sentiments. Regardless of opinions, it’s clear the couple's decision has sparked conversations about wealth, responsibility, and the evolving nature of weddings in today's digital age.