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Mike Goodnough Addresses Speculation Regarding Valerie Bertinelli Social Media Posts
Mike Goodnough, the former boyfriend of Valerie Bertinelli, has publicly responded to online theories surrounding their social media activity. The 54-year-old writer used Instagram Tuesday to dispel notions that he and the 64-year-old television personality and culinary expert were engaged in indirect communication through their respective Instagram posts.
Goodnough Denies Subliminal Messaging
“The common thread among these theories is the idea that Valerie and I are seemingly communicating with each other through our Instagram posts and stories,” Goodnough stated on the platform. “This is simply not true. I have never, at any point, posted anything on social media to communicate with someone indirectly when I have personal knowledge of them and possess numerous avenues to contact them directly.”
Clarification on Intent Behind Social Media Content
Goodnough further elaborated on his social media practices, asserting, “I have never posted content to send a message or elicit a reaction from someone. My posts are not designed to impact someone’s private feelings about me or to manipulate public opinion regarding them.”
He emphasized his capacity for direct communication: “As an adult, I am entirely capable of communicating openly and directly with individuals I know and care about.”
Reflecting on Past Relationship with Bertinelli
Despite their 10-month relationship ending, Goodnough affirmed his continued regard for Bertinelli.
“Exactly one year ago, Valerie and I celebrated the launch of her book together. It was among the most joyous periods of my life. Experiencing genuine joy from Valerie’s happiness and achievements was effortless then, and it remains so now,” Goodnough reflected on Bertinelli’s cookbook, “Indulge.”
“Our romantic relationship has concluded. However, my care for her has not,” he clarified.
Addressing Current Dynamics
However, current circumstances suggest a strained dynamic between the former couple.
“Regrettably, in recent times, Valerie has intermittently reverted to a state where she perceives a one-sided conflict, imagining an opponent where none exists,” he continued. “In this state, she interprets my posts through a self-centered lens, takes offense at entirely imagined slights, and then reacts with angry ‘responses’ to content neither directed at nor about her.”
Setting the Record Straight
Goodnough explained to his followers that this behavior might create a false impression of ongoing communication.
He plainly stated, “We are not communicating.”
“I am not communicating with Valerie through my posts, nor am I engaging with her posts. While I am disappointed by the array of hostile, dishonest, and unwarranted veiled attacks she persistently directs at me, there is no conflict between us,” the photographer reiterated. “She continues to engage in unwarranted attacks. Valerie is battling personal issues. I am simply the unintended recipient of her negativity, a situation that is not new.”
Social Media User Observations and Goodnough’s Response
Goodnough’s extensive caption accompanied a screenshot of a social media comment suggesting, “I’m no detective but you and VB have a lot in common… and your Instagram posts appear to be messages to each other. I read yours, look for her next post, vice versa! Can you please work it out? Your souls appeared intertwined.”
A second screenshot featured a quote: “One of the healthiest habits to learn: Take nothing personally.”
Taking a Break from Social Media
In a subsequent post shared later that day, Goodnough displayed a black and white image of a path with the caption: “Perfect day to walk away from social media for a while.”
“It’s remarkable how many individuals on the Internet believe they possess superior insight into how someone should conduct their life compared to the person living it,” he added. “I don’t know anything about the situation, but…”
“Such a common grammatical error,” the writer noted, instructing his followers, “never use ‘but’ when a period is grammatically correct. Anyway, it’s a pleasant day for a walk.”
Request for Bertinelli’s Comment
Representatives for Bertinelli have been contacted for comment.
Past Relationships of Valerie Bertinelli
Bertinelli and Goodnough officially ended their relationship in November 2024. Prior to this, the “One Day at a Time” star was married to Tom Vitale, 61, from 2011 until their divorce in 2022.
Before her marriage to Vitale, Bertinelli was married to the late Eddie Van Halen from 1981 to 2007. They have a son together, Wolfgang Van Halen, 34.