Patton Oswalt Is Getting Online Hate After Announcing His Engagement 15-Months After His Wife’s Death
Hearts broke last year when comedian Patton Oswalt announced the sudden death of his wife, writer Michelle McNamera. McNamera, who died from a combination of prescription medications and an undiagnosed heart condition, left behind Oswalt and their young daughter, Alice. Oswalt has grieved openly online through essays and social media, so you would think that his fans would be incredibly happy to learn that he’s found love again, this time with actress Meredith Salenger. And while many sent congratulations to the happy couple, there were some assholes who thought that Oswalt and Salenger’s engagement was “too soon.”
Oswalt anticipated the backlash. He wrote on Facebook, “I expected some bitter grub worms to weigh in (anonymously, always always always) with their much-needed opinions when I announced my engagement last week. And I decided to ignore them.” He also gave a big shout-out to blogger and widow Erica Roman for articulating his feelings of anger over the backlash “better than I could have ever hoped.”
Salenger also confirmed the couple’s engagement with an Instagram post.
Her caption on the image read, “It’s official. I’m the luckiest happiest girl in the universe!!!! I love you @pattonoswalt I love you Alice Oswalt! #YesYesYes
Salenger is also taking the criticism in stride. She released a statement on Twitter that read, ”Everyone has been so lovely to us”¦ ALL of Michelle’s siblings and friends and family”¦ a few trolls have strong opinions. But I think for Patton, having met and found love after over a year of intense therapy and openly grieving and dealing with his pain”¦I am grateful to be the one who helps him climb out of the depths of grief and find some joy again. And most of all”¦ Alice is happy and feels loved. I have waited 47 years to find true love. Creating our family unit while honoring the brilliant gift Michelle has given me will be my life’s goal and happiness. I am deeply in love with both Patton and Alice and very much looking forward to a beautiful happy life having adventures together.”
Man. Now I want to marry Meredith.
I’m glad that (for the most part) the haters aren’t getting to this new family. I don’t know why anyone would begrudge them happiness, but we here at Mommyish congratulate them and hope they have a wonderful life together!
(Image: Instagram / @meredithsalenger)
