Bella Thorne faced mixed reactions after proposing to her fiancé Mark Emms two years after he initially proposed, as her romantic gesture sparked a debate among fans about traditional gender roles in engagements, with many celebrating her empowerment while others expressed concern over changing norms.

Bella Thorne, the multi-talented singer and actress, has stirred up a lively discussion among her fans after she took the unconventional step of proposing to her fiancé, Mark Emms, two years after he initially popped the question.

The proposal, which Thorne shared on her Instagram on Saturday, August 16, 2025, showcased a romantic setup that included candles, colorful flower arrangements, and heart-shaped balloons, all culminating in a heartfelt moment where she got down on one knee.

In her Instagram post, the 27-year-old star reflected on their journey together, writing, “3 years ago we met, 1 year later he proposed, now 1 year later so did I 🥴❤️.”

The heartfelt message was accompanied by a series of photos and clips capturing the magic of the moment, including Thorne presenting Emms with a sparkling ring in a box.

The couple’s love story began at Cara Delevingne’s birthday party in Ibiza in 2022, where Thorne described it as “love at first sight as the sun rose.”

While many of Thorne’s followers celebrated her bold move, the reaction was not universally positive. One comment, which read, “Ok ladies let’s not normalize this, okay?” quickly gained traction, amassing nearly 80,000 likes.

This sparked a wave of debate among her followers about traditional gender roles in proposals.

Some fans supported Thorne’s decision, championing it as a powerful statement of female empowerment, while others cautioned against changing the norms surrounding proposals.

The day following her proposal, on August 17, Thorne addressed the mixed reactions in her Instagram Stories.

She shared a light-hearted take on the situation, posting a photo of Emms with a dog on his lap and captioning it, “The comments on my post are hilarious!!” She noted the divide in opinions, stating, “Totally split down the middle.

Half of you are like let’s not normalize proposing to your partner — the other half is like f— yeah girl power this is the sweetest!!”

Emms, a film and television producer, originally proposed to Thorne in May 2023 at her home in California, presenting her with an emerald-cut diamond ring.

At the time, Thorne expressed her vision for their wedding, dreaming of a countryside ceremony in the U.K., where Emms hails from.

She even shared her desire to wear not one but four wedding dresses, emphasizing her belief that “every bride does not need one gown, but four!”

The couple’s relationship has been marked by openness and affection, with Thorne often sharing glimpses of their life together on social media. Their journey has resonated with many fans, who admire their genuine connection.

Thorne’s decision to propose has been interpreted by some as a reflection of evolving societal norms, where traditional roles are being challenged and redefined.

As the conversation around her proposal continues to unfold, Thorne’s actions have sparked a broader dialogue about gender roles in relationships.

Many supporters view her initiative as a celebration of modern love, where both partners can take active roles in their commitment to one another.

In contrast, critics argue that such a shift could undermine traditional values that have long defined engagements.

In a world where the dynamics of relationships are constantly evolving, Bella Thorne’s proposal to Mark Emms serves as a testament to the complexities of love and commitment in contemporary society.

As she navigates the waters of public opinion, her bold move invites reflection on what it means to propose in today’s world and how love can manifest in various forms.

Whether seen as a step forward for gender equality or a challenge to tradition, Thorne’s proposal has undeniably captured the attention of fans and critics alike, making it a significant moment in her ongoing love story.