A dispute over childcare compensation has erupted in Hollywood following revelations regarding the hourly wages paid by media personalities. While some argue $30 per hour is insufficient for wealthy households, others suggest it aligns with market norms.
The $7 Gap Between Jeff Lewis and Cohen
The controversy centers on the hourly wages paid to domestic staff by high-profile figures. As reported by the source, the debate began when Cohen admitted to paying $30 per hour to care for his two children, seven-year-old Ben and four-year-old Lucy, who were born via surrogate. This figure drew immediate criticism from Still Flipping Out star Jeff Lewis, who labeled the amount as "cheap" given Cohen's financial status.
To illustrate the disparity, Jeff Lewis noted that he pays his own babysitter $37 per hour to look after his nine-year-old daughter, Monroe, whom he shares with Gage Edward. This $7 difference has become a focal point for critics who argue that millionaire households should offer significantly higher rates to ensure fairness and quality of care for their children.
Hilaria Baldwin’s defense at the Virtual Reali-Tea Awards
Speaking at the 2026 Virtual Reali-Tea Awards, which is being streaamed exclusively by Philo, Hilaria Baldwin offered a different perspective on the wage debate. The forty-two-year-old mother of seven suggested that a $30 hourly rate might actually be a standard figure in certain high-cost urban markets, rather than an outrageously low amount.
While acknowledging the existence of such a standard, Hilaria Baldwin distinguished her own household from the broader market. She noted that her husband, veteran actor Alec Baldwin, operates differently,stating simply that "Alec is Alec." This comment strongly implies that the Baldwin family provides much more generous compensation than the average celebrity household, reflecting Alec Baldwin's specific approach to generosity.
The evolving needs of the seven Baldwin children
The Baldwin family manages a large and bustling household consisting of seven children: thirteen-year-old Carmen, and sons Rafael, Leonardo, Romeo, and Eduardo, alongside younger daughters Lucia and Ilaria. According to the report, the family is currently in a transitional phase where the nature of childcare is shifting as the children grow older.
As the Baldwin children move from infancy into their pre-teen years,the requirements for their caregivers change significantly. The role shifts from providing basic physical care and supervision to offering academic guidance and emotional support. This evolution in responsibility adds a complex dimension to the debate over what constitutes a fair wage for domestic workers in high-net-worth homes.
What remains unverified about Cohen's payroll
Despite the heated debate between Jeff Lewis and Hilaria Baldwin , several key details regarding the childcare arrangements remain unknown. The source does not clarify whether the $30 per hour paid by Cohen is for full-time employment or part-time assistance, a distinction that would significantly impact the total annual income and stability for the caregivers.
Furthermore, the report does not include any statements from the actual babysitters or nannies involved in these arrangements. Without the perspective of the employees themselves, it remains unclear if the caregivers for Ben,Lucy, or Monroe feel the current rates are equitable, or if they believe the pay reflects the high-stakes nature of working for wealthy media personalities.
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