Brandi Rhodes Fires Back At “Inappropriate” Comments About Her Daughter

Being a public figure in the professional wrestling world often comes with the unwanted side effect of intense scrutiny, not just on the talent themselves, but on their families. Brandi Rhodes, the Chief Brand Officer of the Rhodes family brand and owner of the lifestyle shop Pinkertons, recently found herself pushing back against this reality. The former AEW executive posted a promotional video for an upcoming event, only to find the conversation hijacking the intended message and focusing solely on the physical appearance of her daughter, Leilani.

The Promotional Video That Sparked The Debate

Rhodes recently took to social media to promote her Pinkertons “Mama and Mini Galentine’s” event, a festive gathering scheduled for February. The clip featured Brandi alongside Leilani, inviting fans to enjoy boutique shopping, cookies, and a special “mini-me” photo opportunity. The tone of the video was lighthearted and focused on the mother-daughter bond that the event aims to celebrate.

“Hey everyone, it’s Brandi and Leilani here from Pinkertons. We’re inviting you to our Mama and Mini Galentine’s event. There’s going to be shopping for you at Pinkertons and Ivy Logan’s mobile boutique. We’ll have cookies, champagne, and sparkling juice for the little guys. We’ll also do a selfie corner for taking selfies and commemorating the event with your mini-me. I’ve got two minis.”

However, the comment section quickly veered away from the “Galentine’s” celebration. Numerous social media users began dissecting Leilani’s features, sparking a debate on who the child resembled more. Several comments claimed she bore no resemblance to Brandi and was the “spitting image” of her father, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. One specific tweet gained traction, stating, “Brandi’s genes didn’t even stand a chance 😭 Leilani stole Cody’s whole face.”

Brandi Sets Boundaries For Online Interaction

While many of the comments were likely intended as lighthearted observations, Rhodes felt the need to draw a line. Addressing the situation directly, she expressed discomfort with how a business-focused post was repurposed into a debate about her child’s genetics. She highlighted the often bizarre nature of internet discourse, where personal boundaries are frequently crossed in the name of fan engagement.

“It really weirds me out when people use a post for my business and repurpose the video to debate over my tiny baby, but that’s the internet I guess. I get it now and I think I’m on that train going forward.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the unique pressure placed on “wrestling families,” where fans often feel a parasocial connection to the children of their favorite stars. With Cody Rhodes currently embroiled in one of the most heated title pictures in recent memory following his loss to Drew McIntyre, the spotlight on the Rhodes family is brighter than ever. As the road to WrestleMania 42 heats up, Brandi’s response suggests she may be taking a stricter approach to how much access the public gets to her “minis” moving forward.