Hilaria Baldwin Shares Another Spanglish Video Amid Backlash Over ‘Fake’ Spanish Accent

Hilaria Baldwin, 40, is no stranger to controversy. Born as Hillary Hayward-Thomas in an affluent Boston neighborhood, she’s once again under fire for using a Spanish accent, which many have criticized as inauthentic. Despite being American and growing up in the U.S., Hilaria has often spoken with a Spanish inflection in interviews, claiming a deep connection to Spanish culture.

A Persistent Accent Controversy

Her latest Instagram post, a Spanglish interaction with her two-year-old daughter Ilaria, showcases her refusal to bow to criticism. In the video, Hilaria asks her daughter, “Cómo te llamas?” [What’s your name?] in Spanish. Ilaria playfully responds that she prefers to be called “baby boss,” referencing the character voiced by her father, Alec Baldwin, in the animated series.

Hilaria then affectionately calls Ilaria her “beautiful baby boss” in her now-famous accent, captioning the clip: “She calls herself ‘baby boss,’ and this is how the boss applies ‘yip-stit’… she’s just too cute.”

This video comes just days after a clip went viral showing Hilaria appearing to forget the English word for “onions” while preparing a traditional Spanish tortilla.

Explaining her recipe in the video, Hilaria emphasized that the potatoes should not be cut too small. However, when referring to cebollas (onions), she hesitated and switched to Spanish, saying, “My husband hates… cebollas,” before her friend reminded her of the English term.

This incident is not her first. In 2015, Hilaria famously forgot the word for “cucumber” during a live cooking segment on the Today Show. The lapse sparked curiosity about her background, which later led to revelations about her Boston roots.

Examining Cultural Identity

The backlash surrounding Hilaria’s accent intensified in 2020 when it was revealed that her talent agency had falsely listed Majorca, Spain, as her birthplace. While her parents eventually relocated to Spain, Hilaria spent most of her childhood in the U.S., not abroad.

Psychologist Dr. Mary Poffenroth, author of Brave New You, suggests that some people may fabricate cultural identities to compensate for insecurities. “When someone feels their authentic identity is lacking, they may gravitate toward a more exotic or intriguing persona,” Dr. Poffenroth explained in an interview with DailyMail.com.

This behavior can be reinforced by selective attention to positive feedback. “Their belief in the validity of their chosen identity is strengthened by the validation they receive, making it difficult for them to embrace the truth,” she added.

Caitlin Slavens, a Canadian psychologist, agrees, noting that cultural assimilation is often driven by a desire for acceptance. “For some, claiming a foreign culture might seem like a pathway to better social or professional opportunities,” Slavens said.

A Multilingual Family

Despite the criticism, Hilaria remains unapologetic, often emphasizing her bilingual upbringing. In a 2021 Instagram post, she explained, “I was lucky to grow up with two languages, and I’m raising my kids to do the same. It’s important to me, especially with family overseas.”

Hilaria and Alec have named all seven of their children with Spanish-inspired names: Carmen Gabriela, Rafael Thomas, Leonardo Angel Charles, Romeo Alejandro David, Eduardo Pao Lucas, Maria Lucia Victoria, and Ilaria Catalina Irena.

Boston Beginnings

While Hilaria describes her upbringing as culturally diverse, records tell a different story. Her parents, David Thomas and Kathryn Hayward, purchased a luxurious five-bedroom home in Boston’s Beacon Hill in 1987, where Hilaria lived until she was 28.

Neighbors recall her as a “privileged young girl” and were surprised by her later adoption of a Spanish accent. “No one ever remembered her speaking with an accent growing up,” one neighbor remarked.

Regardless of the scrutiny, Hilaria continues to embrace her unique blend of cultural expression. From cooking videos to playful exchanges with her children, her online presence remains a mix of endearment and controversy. Whether seen as a cultural chameleon or misunderstood enthusiast, one thing is certain: Hilaria Baldwin’s accent and identity remain hot topics in the public eye.