Madison Prewett Troutt, runner-up on Season 24 of The Bachelor, and her husband Grant Troutt have drawn significant public criticism after expressing their intent to use corporal punishment in raising their six-month-old daughter, Hosanna Rose Troutt.
During a recent episode of her Stay True podcast, the couple, both of whom identify as devout Christians, cited Biblical scripture as the basis for their views on discipline. Specifically, they referred to the “rod of correction,” a metaphor they interpret as guidance for parental authority rooted in protective and corrective love.
In the episode, Mr. Troutt remarked—with visible amusement—that, “If Hosanna obeys us, we’re not like, ‘Come here, girl. Pull ’em down… Mama get her,’ which will be hilarious when we start spanking Hosanna.” Mrs. Troutt added, “We will [spank her], on the record, because the Bible so clearly says, ‘Folly is bound up in a child, but discipline drives it far away.’”
The remarks have sparked intense backlash across social media and parenting forums, with critics raising concerns about the promotion of physical discipline and its psychological implications, particularly when discussed in such a public and lighthearted manner.
During the same Stay True podcast episode, Madison Prewett Troutt, 29, expanded on her interpretation of Biblical teachings regarding child discipline. “It also specifically talks about discipline with the rod,” she stated. “Because some people could say, ‘Well, you can discipline them with timeouts.’ Hold on — it says ‘with a rod.’”
Her husband, Grant Troutt, concurred, adding, “It will not kill them. She’s going to get a little bit.”
The couple’s comments have intensified the public discourse surrounding their stance, with many expressing concern over their literal interpretation of scripture as it relates to parenting practices involving corporal punishment.
Madison Prewett Troutt, speaking on her Stay True podcast, emphasized that any future physical discipline of her six-month-old daughter, Hosanna Rose Troutt, would be carried out “in a very loving way.”
“Mommy does not want to discipline you. Mommy does not enjoy having to spank you, but there are consequences to disobedience. There are consequences to our sin,” Prewett stated, underscoring her belief in discipline as an expression of care rather than rejection.
She continued: “The reality is, discipline proves that we are God’s children. It’s not God’s rejection towards us — it’s actually proof that we belong to Him.” Drawing from her own upbringing, she said her father had used corporal discipline, and described such practices as biblically guided: “We are called to discipline [children] so that they may be more like Jesus, so that they may be righteous and holy, and so that they may understand that obedience is important.”
Although the comments were initially made during the July 7 episode, a clip recently resurfaced and went viral on Saturday after being shared by gossip vlogger Stephanie Tleiji.
Public reaction has been swift and polarizing, particularly on TikTok, where users expressed concern about the couple’s interpretation of scripture. Some responses questioned the theological accuracy and emotional tone of the statements:
“There’s no hate like Christian love,” commented @madisoneggimann.
“The rod isn’t a literal rod; it means guidance,” argued @thepaigechristiansen. “What’s terrifying is they don’t actually study the Bible or the words.”
“Which will be HILARIOUS?” questioned @lyss868, referring to the phrasing used by Grant Troutt. “Ummm why is he so excited?!”
Others drew comparisons to notorious child abuse cases, with @water.melon.knee referencing, “Ruby Franke has entered the chat.”
“How is this not illegal?” asked @jaidynsmith8800.
Another user, @chippayyy, remarked: “All I’m saying is they shouldn’t be confused when their daughter goes no contact in 18 years.”#newsafro_
