Hilaria Baldwin, wife of actor Alec Baldwin, has welcomed the couple’s seventh child — but the joyful announcement quickly became overshadowed by renewed controversy. The debate centers on the baby’s name, Ilaria Catalina Irena, and ongoing criticism of Hilaria’s long-questioned claims of Spanish heritage. The topic resurfaced with full force, highlighting a controversy that first erupted in 2020.

That year, it was revealed that Hilaria — widely believed to be Spanish — was actually born and raised in Boston. The revelation sparked intense scrutiny, amplified by viral moments such as her on-air struggle to recall the English word “cucumber.” Critics also pointed to records showing she once went by her given name, Hilary. With the arrival of the new baby, frustrations reignited online. Social media users accused her of choosing a “fake Spanish name” and questioned why none of the Baldwin children have American-sounding names. Others mocked the situation, suggesting the couple’s fascination with Spanish culture had gone too far.

In response to past backlash, Hilaria addressed the accusations in a 2020 interview with The New York Times. She attributed the cucumber clip to nerves during early live TV appearances and said incorrect information in her talent agency bio — which mistakenly listed her birthplace as Mallorca — was simply an error. She also clarified that “Hilaria” is the name her Spanish family uses for her, despite her U.S. birth.

The newest debate over her daughter’s name has reignited the broader conversation surrounding identity, cultural authenticity, and celebrity image. As the public revisits Hilaria’s complicated relationship with her heritage, opinions remain sharply divided over whether the Baldwins are honoring cultural roots or engaging in performative appropriation.