Candace Cameron Bure, well-known actress and former star of Full House, has recently faced a wave of backlash following a series of photos she shared on Instagram featuring herself and her husband, Valeri Bure. Valeri, a retired ice hockey player, has been married to Candace for 24 years, and the couple has consistently shared their love and admiration for one another both privately and publicly. However, their latest post stirred quite the controversy, sparking a debate among her followers about what is deemed “appropriate” when it comes to public displays of affection between a married couple.

The photos in question were shared on Candace’s Instagram account last Friday. The first image showcased a romantic moment between the couple, standing on a picturesque bridge. Valeri gently caressed Candace’s cheek as she smiled warmly, capturing a tender and loving moment. However, the second image in the series was more playful and lighthearted. In it, Candace smirked as Valeri placed his hand on her chest—a moment that Candace captioned with humor and affection: “Sweet and spicy. 24 years and counting.”

While many fans celebrated the couple’s enduring love and ability to keep their relationship fresh and fun, others were quick to criticize the second photo. Some of her followers, particularly those who identified as Christians, expressed their disapproval, labeling the image as “inappropriate.” The criticism centered around the belief that such a display of affection, even between husband and wife, should not be shared publicly.

Candace, however, did not remain silent in the face of the backlash. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she addressed the negative comments directly, defending her post and her relationship. According to E! News, Candace responded by saying, “I chuckle at Christians who think my post with my spouse’s hand on my boob was inappropriate because it’s my husband. We enjoy each other.” Her response emphasized the importance of maintaining physical and emotional intimacy in a marriage, particularly after so many years together. She added, “I hope he touches me anytime. Healthy marriages and relationships are about this.”

This isn’t the first time Candace has spoken candidly about her marriage to Valeri, which began in 1996. The couple shares three children: Natasha, 22, Lev, 20, and Maksim, 18. Over the years, Candace has often reflected on the ups and downs of their relationship, acknowledging that maintaining a strong and lasting marriage requires effort and commitment. In a heartfelt post shared on their 20th wedding anniversary in 2016, Candace wrote, “I’m very proud to be here and love my man. I promise it wasn’t easy the whole way.” Her words highlighted the reality of long-term relationships, where challenges are inevitable, but love and dedication can help couples overcome them.

Despite the criticism she received for the recent post, Candace made it clear that she stands by her decision to share the playful moment with her husband. In her Instagram Stories, she expressed a mix of humor and unapologetic confidence, stating, “I apologize for offending you… I’m not sorry.” She went on to explain that after 24 years of marriage, the ability to have fun and remain physically connected is something she cherishes deeply. “Having fun after so many years and having him touch me all day is great,” she remarked.

Candace’s response to the controversy has sparked a larger conversation about societal expectations and boundaries when it comes to public expressions of love, particularly for Christian couples. While some argue that such displays should remain private, others applaud Candace for embracing her marriage with authenticity and joy. Many of her supporters have praised her for normalizing affection within a committed relationship, arguing that it sets a positive example for other couples striving to maintain passion and connection over the years.

The Bures have long been known for their strong bond, and this recent incident only further highlights the couple’s ability to remain united in the face of criticism. Candace’s decision to defend her post rather than backtrack demonstrates her confidence in her marriage and her belief that love, humor, and physical affection are essential components of a healthy relationship. For Candace and Valeri, it seems the secret to their enduring love lies in their willingness to be unapologetically themselves—both behind closed doors and in the public eye.

As the debate continues to unfold online, one thing is clear: Candace Cameron Bure is not one to shy away from expressing her love for her husband, no matter what her critics might say. After 24 years of marriage, the couple remains a shining example of how love, laughter, and a little spice can keep a relationship thriving.