Why Chris Pratt's Mother's Day Message to Katherine Schwarzenegger Is Sparking Debate

Chris Pratt has got the internet in a spat.

The Guardians of the Galaxy star sparked criticism from social media users for not mentioning his ex-wife Anna Faris—with whom he shares 10-year-old son Jack—by name in a Mother's Day tribute. On May 14, Chris posted a photo of himself with wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, mother-in-law Maria Shriver and mom Kathy Pratt, on Instagram.

"Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there," Chris—who is also dad to daughters Lyla, 2, and Eloise, 11 months, with Katherine—wrote in the caption. "Especially grateful today for Katherine. You're a wonderful partner. You've provided me such a blessed life. Our two daughters are so lucky to have you and you're the best step mama to Jack."

The 43-year-old went on to thank his own mother for providing "such love and light and laughter" throughout the years, before referring to Maria as "Mama G."

"I'm lucky to have you as a mother-in-law," he added. "And to all of the other moms in my life, I'm so grateful for all you do- thank you so much."

While many fans thought the post was sweet, several commenters took issue with the fact that he did not explicitly give a nod to Anna, who he split with in 2017 after eight years of marriage.

"That was very nice recognition of the mothers in your life, wife, mom, mom in law," one user wrote. "however it would not have killed you to acknowledge the mother of your first child by nam [sic], like really!"

Another commented, "I literally wished my exs wife a happy mother's day today. Like why wouldn't you if you have kids in a blended family?"

However, amid the backlash, Chris' defenders pointed out how the actor's message included a line recognizing "all of the other moms" in his life, including Anna. One fan also called out the "double standards" of Chris receiving criticism while Anna has "never made a father's day post about him after they broke up either."

"If it's your ex partner you shouldn't have to include them in anything unless you see fit," the commenter added. "I'd do the same."

This was not the first time one of Chris' Instagram posts sparked an internet debate. Back in 2021, some people thought the Parks and Recreation alum was being insensitive to Anna—who delivered Jack in a premature birth—when he praised Katherine for giving him a "gorgeous healthy daughter" in a love letter.

"She helps me with everything," he wrote at the time. "In return, periodically, I open a jar of pickles. That's the trade. Her heart is pure and it belongs to me."

Chris later called out the "f--ked up" negative comments he received for that post. "My son's gonna read that one day...and it's etched in digital stone," he told Men's Health last year. "It really f--king bothered me, dude. I cried about it."

Earlier this year, Katherine also weighed in on the online scrutiny Chris endured. "I see what people say," she told The New York Times. "But I just know that it's so far from the reality."

To see how other stars celebrated Mother's Day this year, keep reading.

Nicole Richie celebrated Mother's Day with an adorable picture posted to her Instagram story, featuring her mother, Brenda Harvey Richie, her adoptive sister Sofia Richie, and her 15-year-old daughter, Harlow.

The Flight Attendant actress celebrated her first Mother's Day as a mom, sharing an Instagram Stories video of herself sharing a tender moment with her and partner Tom Pelphrey's newborn daughter. She captioned the clip, "Best first Mother's Day wake up ever!"

Kaley's partner paid tribute to the actress and their moms, sharing pics of them with his and the actress' newborn daughter.

For her first Mother's Day as a mom, the actress' partner, Darius Jackson, shared a slew of throwback photos of the actress when she was pregnant with their first child, son Leodis.

The actress also shared this throwback pic of himself with his mom, writing, "Happy Mother's Day to all the mammas out there and to anyone in your life who has offered you unconditional love."

The actor shared a selfie of himself with his fiancée, mom of their daughter Daisy.

On Mother's Day 2023, the actor paid tribute to his late wife Kelly Preston, who died in 2020 at age 57 after battling breast cancer, sharing a throwback video of the actress opening a Mother's Day present on Instagram.

"Happy Mother's Day Kelly," he wrote. "We miss you and love you! Love, Ben, Ella and John."

The Kylie Cosmetics founder shared several never-before-seen pics of her kids Stormi Webster, 5, and Aire Webster, 15 months, on Mother's Day 2023.

The Pitch Perfect actress shared new pics of her daughter Royce on her first Mother's Day as a mom. (also pictured: Her fiancée Ramona Agruma.)

"Gosh I'm lucky to be their mama," Reese captioned this pic of herself with children Ava Phillippe, Deacon Phillippe and Tennessee Toth.

"Stepping into the world of motherhood has been like entering the most expansive, mythical labyrinth- it's felt simultaneously overwhelming and oddly familiar. It's the job I'm proudest of and the most grateful for. Always," the This Is Us alum, who shares sons August and Oscar with husband Taylor Goldsmith, wrote on Instagram. "Hats off to all those who mother in any and every way and an extra squeeze to those who find this day difficult. #HappyMother'sDay."

The star also honored his own mother with an Instagram post. "Mom… We've had some fun, haven't we?!" he wrote. "I hope you know every day how much you've taught me and how much I love you. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thank you for loving me all along the way."

The star paid tribute to his wife, mother of their sons Silas and Phineas, on Instagram. "This human right here," he wrote. "Mom, partner, brilliant, beautiful, badass… You are always there for me and these boys no matter the time of day or night. I'm in awe of you and beyond grateful that you are ours. We love you, Mommy!"

Justin added, "Love Always, Your baby boys and the big kid you said yes to."

The Jonas Brothers singer shared this pic of his wife with daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, writing, "Happy Mother's Day my love. You are an incredible mother. You light up me and MM's world every day."

Mother's Day 2023 fell on the 19th birthday of Gwyneth and ex Chris Martin's eldest child, daughter Apple Martin. The actress, who also shares son Moses Martin, 17, with the Coldplay frontman, shared pics of herself with both kids and her own mother, actress Blythe Danner, on her Instagram Stories and a special birthday tribute to Apple on her grid.

"Happy Birthday my angel," the Oscar winner wrote. "Thank you for sharing your birthday this year with Mother's Day, a fitting conjugation, a double celebration of you and what you have given to me- the GIFT of being your mom. I love you so deeply and wholly, it defies articulation. To behold you as a 19 year old woman fills my heart with almost unbearable love, pride and meaning! I can't take it! Thank you for making me brunch, I am making you dinner!! I love you so much, forever and ever, mama."