• Andy Cohen calls Martina Navratilova’s anti-surrogacy tweet “ill-informed and dumb.”
• Navratilova’s wife, Julia Lemigova, disagrees with her and supports surrogacy.
• Cohen shares his personal journey with gestational surrogacy and plans to address the issue at the RHOM reunion.

Andy Cohen didn’t hold back when responding to Martina Navratilova’s recent remarks about surrogacy, labeling the former tennis champion’s stance as “ill-informed and dumb.” The outspoken TV host and producer, who has two children through gestational surrogacy, spoke candidly about the controversy during a recent episode of his SiriusXM show, Andy Cohen Live.

Navratilova sparked a firestorm on social media after tweeting that “Surrogacy is wrong” and adding, “Sometimes you can’t have it all.” The blunt opinion struck a nerve, especially with those who view surrogacy as a vital path to parenthood. Cohen didn’t mince words in his response, calling her comments not only uninformed but flat-out incorrect.

“What Martina tweeted was, ‘Surrogacy is wrong,’” Cohen said firmly. “She said, ‘Sometimes you can’t have it all.’ Well, here’s the deal — that’s just ill-informed and dumb.” He went on to promise that the topic would come up at the upcoming Real Housewives of Miami reunion, making clear that the controversy was far from settled.

Conflict in the Spotlight: When Personal Beliefs Clash with Reality

The disagreement deepens when considering the personal connection between the two women at the center of the discussion. Julia Lemigova, Navratilova’s wife and a star on Real Housewives of Miami, appeared on Cohen’s show Watch What Happens Live on July 30 to address her spouse’s comments. But instead of smoothing things over, the conversation exposed a clear rift.

“Julia and I have talked about this privately,” Cohen revealed, adding that Navratilova will not attend the Miami reunion, so he won’t have the chance to question her directly about the tweet.

Lemigova tried to soften the blow, insisting her wife’s comments were taken “out of context.” But Cohen remained unconvinced. “She was trying to defend Martina, but I just don’t buy it,” he said bluntly.

Lemigova herself offered a contrasting viewpoint on surrogacy. “Martina and I share a bed, but we don’t share a brain,” she quipped, making it clear she strongly disagrees with Navratilova’s position. “I believe in surrogacy, and I completely disagree with her comments.”

The public response to the debate has been polarized. Supporters of surrogacy have rallied behind Cohen and Lemigova, applauding their openness and personal experiences with the practice. Critics of surrogacy, meanwhile, have found a reluctant champion in Navratilova, whose views sparked discussion about the ethics and emotional complexities involved.

Why This Matters: Surrogacy’s Emotional and Legal Journey

For Cohen, the issue hits close to home. The Emmy-winning producer has been vocal about his own journey to parenthood, welcoming two children via gestational surrogacy. This form of surrogacy involves a carrier who does not use her own egg, but rather one provided by the intended parents or donors, a distinction that matters legally and biologically.

Cohen’s son, Benjamin, was born in Los Angeles before gestational surrogacy became legal in New York. In fact, Cohen played a role in helping get surrogacy legalized in his home state, paving the way for his daughter Lucy’s birth via surrogate in April 2022.

During a June 2022 interview on Jeff Lewis Live, Cohen shared that although Ben and Lucy have different surrogates, they remain biological siblings because they share the same egg donor. While he has kept the donor’s identity private, Cohen has never shied away from discussing the complexities and joys of surrogacy openly.

Public Reaction: A Divided Audience

The topic of surrogacy has always carried emotional weight, often dividing public opinion. On one side, many celebrate it as a miraculous option for those who cannot conceive naturally, including LGBTQ+ couples, single parents, and people facing medical challenges. Cohen’s story has inspired many, showing how modern families come in all forms.

On the flip side, some critics voice concerns about the ethics of surrogacy—raising questions about the potential exploitation of surrogates and the emotional toll on everyone involved. Navratilova’s tweet clearly struck a chord with those who share her skepticism, fueling a broader debate beyond social media.

Yet, for many, the personal stories shared by families like Cohen’s provide a powerful counter-narrative. They highlight the profound love and dedication involved in creating a family, regardless of biology or traditional norms. Lemigova’s bold defense of surrogacy, even when standing in opposition to her wife’s views, adds another layer to this complex conversation.

Looking Ahead: What the Reunion Might Bring

With Cohen vowing to bring up the surrogacy debate during the Real Housewives of Miami reunion, anticipation is building. Fans and followers are eager to see if Navratilova will address her comments publicly or if the issue will remain a point of contention behind the scenes.

Cohen’s unwillingness to let the issue slide underscores how deeply personal and important surrogacy is to him. It also reflects a broader cultural shift in how families are defined and formed in the 21st century.

For now, the clash between Cohen and Navratilova is a vivid reminder that even those closest to each other—like Navratilova and Lemigova—can hold sharply different views. It also highlights how social media, with its instant and far-reaching impact, can amplify debates that touch on identity, ethics, and the meaning of family.