Actress Bella Thorne has surprised her fans by turning the tables on tradition, getting down on one knee to propose to her fiancé Mark Emms. The gesture comes a year after Emms first proposed to her, marking a new chapter in their relationship.
A personal moment made public
The former Shake It Up star shared the intimate moment on Instagram, posting clips and photos of the proposal at home. Surrounded by candles, flowers and heart-shaped balloons, Thorne wrote: “Three years ago we met, one year later he proposed, now one year later so did I.”
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While the romantic gesture drew plenty of attention, it also sparked divided opinions online. Some critics felt the videos should have remained private, while others celebrated the act as a sign of equality in relationships.
Social media reacts
The comments on her post reflected a split in opinion. Several users questioned why Thorne chose to propose, urging her to “get up,” while others applauded her decision. One supporter wrote: “I think this is so wonderful. It shows that both parties want the same thing, and men deserve beautiful proposals too. Congratulations to you both.”
Thorne herself responded to the debate, admitting that she found the range of reactions amusing. She noted that her followers seemed evenly divided between those resistant to women proposing and those praising the move as a step toward balance in relationships.
Famous women who have proposed
Thorne is far from the first celebrity to challenge tradition. In 2022, Rita Ora proposed to director Taika Waititi, while singer Pink asked motocross racer Carey Hart to marry her after four years together.
Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg also made the first move with her husband Barry Diller, after turning down his earlier proposals. Pop icon Britney Spears once proposed to Kevin Federline during a flight, while actress Jodie Turner-Smith famously proposed to Joshua Jackson. Even Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor proposed to her second husband, Michael Wilding.
Redefining engagement traditions
Thorne’s proposal has reignited the conversation around what it means to get engaged in the modern age. For some, it is about love and partnership rather than who takes the first step. As more women embrace the opportunity to propose, traditional roles around engagements continue to evolve, with Thorne now at the forefront of this cultural shift.
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Featured Image: Instagram | @bellathorne
