Audra Mari Shares Heartwarming Moment with Baby Son, but Rumors of Josh Duhamel and Fergie’s Secret Meeting Stir Drama

In the ever-churning world of celebrity news, Audra Mari, the former Miss World America and wife of actor Josh Duhamel, recently melted hearts with a tender social media post showcasing a sweet moment with her newborn son, Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel. However, the wholesome family update has been overshadowed by swirling rumors of a clandestine meeting between Duhamel and his ex-wife, Fergie, leaving fans and gossip columns buzzing with speculation. This article dives into the details of Mari’s touching moment, the context of her life with Duhamel, and the explosive rumors that threaten to steal the spotlight.

A Glimpse into Audra Mari’s Motherhood Journey

Audra Mari, 31, has been embracing motherhood with open arms since welcoming her first child, Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel, with Josh Duhamel on January 11, 2024. The couple, married since September 2022, announced their pregnancy in September 2023, sharing a sonogram image with the caption, “Baby Duhamel coming soon.” Since Shepherd’s arrival, Mari has occasionally shared glimpses of her life as a new mom, delighting followers with her warmth and authenticity.

One such moment came recently when Mari posted a heartwarming video on her Instagram Story, capturing a cozy scene with Shepherd. The clip, described by fans as “pure joy,” showed the four-month-old bundled in a soft yellow knit outfit, gurgling happily as Mari interacted with him. “Easter baby,” she captioned the post, which was shared during the couple’s first Easter celebration with their son in April 2024. The video, though brief, radiated love, with Mari’s gentle voice and Shepherd’s tiny smiles stealing the show. Fans flooded the comments with adoration, praising Mari’s natural maternal glow and the undeniable bond she shares with her son.

Mari’s journey into motherhood has been a significant chapter in her public persona. A former beauty queen from Fargo, North Dakota, Mari rose to fame after winning Miss North Dakota USA in 2014 and Miss World America in 2016. Her modeling career, which includes gracing the cover of Ocean Drive’s Swimsuit issue and appearing in H&M commercials, has since taken a backseat to her family life. In interviews, Mari has expressed gratitude for her North Dakota roots, which she shares with Duhamel, noting their mutual love for “lake life” and the simplicity of their home state. This shared background has been a cornerstone of their relationship, grounding them amidst Hollywood’s chaos.

Josh Duhamel: A Proud Father and Supportive Husband

Josh Duhamel, 52, is no stranger to fatherhood. He shares an 11-year-old son, Axl Jack, with his ex-wife, Fergie, the former Black Eyed Peas singer. Duhamel has been vocal about his commitment to co-parenting with Fergie, describing their relationship as amicable and focused on Axl’s well-being. “Fergie and I had a great relationship,” he told E! News in April 2025. “I love that girl and I always will. Unfortunately, we didn’t work. But I will always have her back, and she is the mother of my baby.”

With Mari, Duhamel has embraced a new chapter of parenting. He’s been effusive in his praise for his wife, calling her “an incredible mother” in a September 2023 interview with PEOPLE. The couple’s move to a rural “doomsday cabin” in northwest Minnesota, 40 minutes from civilization, reflects their desire to raise Shepherd and Axl away from Hollywood’s glare. “I can finally exhale when I’m home,” Duhamel told Fox News, emphasizing the peace he finds in their lakeside retreat.

Duhamel’s recent professional endeavors, including his starring role in Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, have kept him in the spotlight. The romantic Western drama, which premiered on April 17, 2025, features Duhamel as Staten Kirkland, a ranch owner navigating love and loss. Mari even filmed a cameo for the series, though, to the couple’s surprise, her scene was cut—a detail Duhamel shared with a chuckle in an interview with PEOPLE. “Poor thing,” he said, noting Mari’s good humor about the snub.

The Rumors: A Secret Meeting Between Josh Duhamel and Fergie?

While Mari’s sweet moment with Shepherd should have been the headline, gossip sites have been abuzz with unverified rumors of a “secret meeting” between Duhamel and Fergie. The speculation, which appears to have originated from anonymous sources on social media, suggests that the exes met privately in early May 2025, possibly to discuss co-parenting or personal matters. The lack of concrete details has only fueled the frenzy, with some outlets hinting at tension in Duhamel and Mari’s marriage.

These rumors are, at best, speculative. No credible evidence supports claims of a secret meeting, and both Duhamel and Fergie have consistently emphasized their cordial co-parenting dynamic. Fergie’s supportive gestures—such as congratulating Duhamel and Mari on their engagement in 2022 and Shepherd’s birth in 2024—suggest a lack of animosity. “Beautiful,” Fergie commented with blue heart emojis on the couple’s birth announcement, a sentiment echoed by many.

Still, the rumors have sparked debate among fans. Some speculate that the meeting, if it occurred, was purely logistical, related to Axl’s schedule or upcoming milestones. Others, however, have spun dramatic narratives, suggesting that Mari might feel uneasy about Duhamel’s ongoing connection with Fergie. These claims seem to overlook the couple’s strong bond, evidenced by their public displays of affection and Duhamel’s frequent praise for Mari. “She’s a very sweet girl,” he told Access Hollywood in January 2022, a sentiment he’s echoed repeatedly

Navigating Fame and Family

The contrast between Mari’s heartwarming post and the swirling rumors underscores the challenges of navigating fame as a family. For Mari, who transitioned from pageant stages to a quieter life in Minnesota, sharing moments like Shepherd’s Easter video is a way to connect with fans while maintaining privacy. Her Instagram, filled with glimpses of lake life and family milestones, paints a picture of contentment—a stark contrast to the drama manufactured by tabloids.

Duhamel, too, has been candid about his desire for simplicity. His decision to move his family to Minnesota reflects a rejection of Hollywood’s relentless pace. “I missed the simplicity of who I really am,” he told Graham Bensinger in 2023, reflecting on his divorce from Fergie and his new life with Mari. This focus on family has been a uniting force for the couple, who bonded over their North Dakota roots and shared values.

As for the rumors, they’re likely a product of the celebrity gossip machine, which thrives on speculation. Duhamel and Fergie’s history, combined with their high-profile status, makes them an easy target for such stories. Yet, the absence of any substantiation—coupled with the couple’s history of transparency—suggests there’s little fire behind the smoke.

Conclusion: A Family Grounded in Love

Audra Mari’s sweet moment with Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel is a reminder of the joy that defines her life with Josh Duhamel. Their story, rooted in shared values and a love for family, stands in contrast to the fleeting rumors that seek to disrupt their narrative. While gossip about a secret meeting between Duhamel and Fergie may grab headlines, it’s the quiet moments—like a mother’s smile and a baby’s giggle—that tell the real story.

As Mari and Duhamel continue to build their life together, they do so with resilience, shrugging off the noise of Hollywood to focus on what matters most: their family. For now, fans can only hope for more glimpses of Shepherd’s milestones and the love that binds this North Dakota duo.