In the world of celebrity culture, misinformation can spread like wildfire, especially when it comes to the private lives of public figures. Penn Badgley, best known for his iconic roles in Gossip Girl and Netflix’s psychological thriller You, has finally spoken out to correct a long-standing misconception about his son — specifically, his son’s name.

Penn Badgley, who welcomed his son with musician and doula Domino Kirke in 2020, recently clarified that contrary to popular belief, their child’s name is not James. For years, fans and media outlets alike had widely circulated the name “James” as the moniker of Penn Badgley’s son, despite the actor and his wife maintaining an intentionally private stance regarding their child’s identity.

How the Rumor Took Hold

The confusion surrounding the name appears to have stemmed from a combination of speculation and assumptions. While Penn Badgley and Kirke have been relatively open about their parenting journey, sharing occasional glimpses into their family life on social media, they never publicly disclosed their son’s name. Somewhere along the way, the name “James” became attached to their son in fan forums, gossip blogs, and even entertainment news reports.

In a candid conversation on a recent podcast appearance, Penn Badgley addressed the misunderstanding directly, stating,

“I don’t know where that came from. We’ve never said that. His name isn’t James.”

This clarification has put to rest years of speculation and reinforced the couple’s ongoing commitment to protecting their son’s privacy.

Why Celebrities Keep Their Children’s Lives Private

Penn Badgley’s firm yet gentle correction also highlights a growing trend among celebrities to safeguard the identities and personal details of their children. In recent years, figures like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, and Adele have all spoken publicly about their decisions to keep their children out of the limelight.

The reasons are manifold. For some, it’s about shielding their children from the intense scrutiny and pressure that often comes with fame. Others aim to give their children as normal an upbringing as possible, without the constant gaze of paparazzi or invasive public curiosity.

Penn Badgley and Kirke are no strangers to these concerns. Both have careers that balance high-profile work with deeply personal and creative endeavors. Penn Badgley’s portrayal of the unsettling yet captivating Joe Goldberg in You skyrocketed him into international recognition once again, while Kirke has cultivated a successful career not just as a singer-songwriter but also as a co-founder of Carriage House Birth, a collective supporting families through pregnancy and postpartum journeys.

Their shared values around privacy and mindful parenting have been evident since the birth of their son, and this recent clarification only reaffirms their stance.

Their Parenting Journey and Blended Family Life

The couple’s parenting journey has also been unique in other ways. Penn Badgley became a stepfather to Kirke’s son, Cassius, from a previous relationship, long before they welcomed their younger child together. In interviews, Penn Badgley has spoken warmly about his role as a stepfather, describing it as a profound and transformative experience.

“It’s been a joy and an education,” Penn Badgley once shared in an interview, noting how step-parenting deepened his understanding of fatherhood long before he biologically became a parent.

Kirke has echoed similar sentiments, often expressing gratitude for Penn Badgley’s presence in her and her elder son’s life. Their blended family dynamic, coupled with their openness about topics like pregnancy loss and parenting challenges, has resonated with fans who appreciate their authentic, grounded approach to family life.

The Importance of Respecting Boundaries

While curiosity about celebrities is natural — especially those as beloved as Penn Badgley, whose fanbase stretches from early 2000s Gossip Girl enthusiasts to today’s You viewers — his recent correction is a gentle reminder of the importance of boundaries. Public figures, despite their visibility, are entitled to privacy, especially when it comes to their children.

For many fans, Badgley’s transparency and integrity are precisely what have made him a beloved figure both on and off screen. His clear communication about misinformation, coupled with his refusal to sensationalize his family life, reflects a thoughtful and intentional approach to celebrity status.

What’s Next for Penn Badgley

Beyond parenting, Badgley continues to build on his creative portfolio. Following the success of You, which recently wrapped its fifth and final season, the actor has expressed interest in pursuing more directing opportunities and continuing his podcast Podcrushed, which he co-hosts and where he often discusses themes of adolescence, growth, and mental health.

In both his personal and professional life, Badgley’s actions speak to a larger commitment to authenticity, mindfulness, and care — qualities that undoubtedly guide both his career choices and his approach to family.

While fans may never know his son’s real name (and that’s as it should be), one thing is clear: Badgley and Kirke are dedicated to nurturing a private, loving, and grounded family life, far away from public misconceptions and misplaced curiosity.