Conjoined Twins Abby and Brittany Hensel Clap Back at Critics After Photos with Baby
I’m Avery Sinclair, a no-nonsense journalist with a healthy dose of skepticism. As a sharp, fact-based writer, I’m here to give you the lowdown on the latest controversy surrounding conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel.
The conjoined twins recently sparked curiosity after paparazzi photos surfaced of them holding a newborn baby in a carrier while out and about in Arden Hills, Minnesota. The images, taken two weeks prior, show Abby and Brittany Hensel walking towards their Tesla car in the parking lot, clad in shorts and a multi-colored tank top, with the black-and-gray baby carrier securely in place.
In response to the commotion, the 35-year-old sisters took to TikTok on August 31 to address the speculation. They shared a cryptic video featuring the aforementioned photos, set to the beat of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s iconic song “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang.” Alongside the clip, Abby and Brittany wrote in the caption, “Blessed,” accompanied by pointed hashtags, including “#sisterhood” and “#respect.”
While the twins have yet to disclose whether the child is related to them or not, they’ve made it clear they’re blocking out the noise over how they live their lives. This isn’t the first time they’ve addressed online chatter about themselves; in March, they shared a clapback for critics of Abby’s marriage to Josh Bowling, whom she wed in 2021.
Abby and Brittany have long expressed understanding of people’s curiosity toward their life, but they’ve also admitted to feeling frustration at the reaction they’re met with in public, especially people taking their photo without permission. In a 2007 documentary, Abby explained, “We absolutely hate when people take pictures of us. And we will throw a fit about it, and make them embarrassed.”
The twins were born on March 7, 1990, with a rare condition known as dicephalus conjoined twins, meaning they have two distinct upper body systems but share their anatomy from the torso down. Their mother, Patty Hensel, shared in the same 2007 documentary that she only expected to deliver one baby when she gave birth, based on scans.
Abby and Brittany were initially born with three arms, but had one removed as it wasn’t functional. Their parents, Patty and Mike Hensel, were told the twins were inseparable as babies. While separation may have been possible as the girls matured, the parents chose to keep them conjoined as they were able to live a full, healthy life together.
In terms of daily life, the twins have developed an impressive system for navigating the world. They share a singular driver’s license, having each passed the test separately, and have developed a system for driving their car. As Brittany explained in their 2012 TLC show Abby & Brittany, “When we drive, Abby is in control of the gas and the brakes, and we both steer, and I’m in charge of the blinker.”
Abby and Brittany have also developed a unique way of communicating, often anticipating what the other will say when curating an email or online message. They tend to refer to themselves as one person, unless they disagree, in which case they’ll say “Abby says” or “Brittany says.”
As for their current life, Abby is married to Josh Bowling, who is dad to daughter Isabella from a previous relationship. The twins have yet to confirm whether the baby in the recent photos is related to them or not.
In conclusion, it’s clear that Abby and Brittany Hensel are no strangers to controversy and public scrutiny. While they may not be forthcoming about every detail of their lives, they’ve made it clear they’re committed to living life on their own terms.
And that’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
