Expecting Couple in 19-Year Age Gap Marriage Clap Back at Critics Who Claim They’re “Doing a Disservice” to Their Baby
Emily Stomatuk and Michael Justin are no strangers to judgment — they’ve built much of their online presence by simply being open about their love. The married influencers, who often post lighthearted and affectionate glimpses into their relationship, have faced years of comments focused not on their happiness but on their 19-year age difference. Now, as they prepare to welcome their first child together, the couple say the negativity has reached a new level — and they’re not letting it slide.
When Emily and Michael announced their pregnancy online, the reactions came fast and divided. Their followers — who’ve grown accustomed to their romantic travel photos and relationship Q&As — flooded the comments with congratulations and joy. But alongside the support came waves of criticism from strangers accusing the couple of being “irresponsible” or “doing a disservice to their baby.” Some questioned the age gap, others speculated about longevity and parenting differences, and a few even tried to turn their personal news into a moral debate.
Michael, 52, says they’ve heard it all before, but this time the comments hit differently. “It’s absurd — so absurd,” he told People in a recent interview. “We’ve been together for years, we’re deeply in love, and we’re ready for this next chapter. Yet somehow, people think they have the right to tell us what kind of parents we’ll be.”
Emily, 33, says that while she’s grown used to defending her marriage online, the reaction to their baby news initially caught her off guard. “It’s wild how people feel entitled to comment on your family decisions,” she shared. “It’s one thing to question our relationship when we post couple content, but bringing a child into it? That’s crossing a line.”
The couple, who met in 2018 and married in 2020, say their age difference has always been part of their public narrative — but not the way they define themselves. “People always want to reduce us to a number,” Michael said. “But we don’t live in numbers. We live in love, in laughter, in the little moments that make a marriage real.”
Despite the criticism, Emily and Michael have found support from a strong online community that sees their story as one of love, resilience, and authenticity. Their videos — often humorous, sometimes deeply personal — have become a safe space for other couples navigating unconventional relationships. “We get messages every day from people saying our story gives them hope,” Emily said. “That’s what keeps us going. We’re not trying to prove anything; we’re just living our truth.”
As for their approach to parenthood, the couple say they’re focused on the same values they’ve built their marriage on — patience, empathy, and joy. They’re excited to experience the milestones of pregnancy and parenting together, documenting the journey for their followers while staying grounded in private moments that are just for them.
“We’re bringing a child into a home full of love,” Michael added. “That’s all that matters. Anyone who’s a parent knows that no one does it perfectly. But if your child is surrounded by care and laughter, that’s what counts.”
Both acknowledge that public life comes with scrutiny, especially when you live in an age where every post becomes a conversation. Still, they remain confident in their bond and their ability to create a healthy, happy environment for their baby. “People will always talk,” Emily said with a laugh. “But you know what? We’re too busy being happy to listen.”
Their story, in many ways, is a reflection of the times — a reminder that love doesn’t fit into a formula and that families come in all shapes and dynamics. Whether you agree or not, Emily and Michael’s relationship continues to challenge assumptions about what happiness looks like. And as they prepare for parenthood, they seem more certain than ever that their connection — not the criticism — will define the life they build together.
