Benji and Joel Madden revealed why they have a “healthy fear” of their respective wives, Cameron Diaz and Nicole Richie.
“We all respect our wives. They are absolutely our counterparts and we all have a healthy fear of our wives,” Joel said while appearing on Thursday’s episode of SiriusXM’s “Literally! With Rob Lowe” show with his twin brother, Benji.
Benji agreed, adding that their fear of their famous partners is “in the best way,” while Lowe, who is married to Sheryl Berkoff, nodded in agreement.
Joel, 46, gave further insight into his relationship with Richie, saying that he never thought anyone could “keep” him until he met her.
“I met Nicole and she absolutely runs the show,” he explained, noting, “But we are partners, so there’s aspects that I run. But there’s a whole part of my life that would not work if she wasn’t there running it.”
He continued, “And she gave me a way deeper, richer life because of the aspects of my life that she oversees, [and] runs and vice versa.”
Joel said he believes they “work together” because she is “strong,” adding that he respects and fears her “a little bit.”
Benji, also 46, expressed that he shares the same marital experience as his brother, noting that his and Diaz’s dynamic is “a whole foundation.”
“Cameron, when we met, it was like the world just went [right side up] and it was over,” Benji said.
Joel joked that “fear” is a strong word to use because it sounds “abusive” but clarified that it’s “healthy” and his wife is “sharp.”
The “Parks and Recreation” alum, 61, chimed in with his perspective, offering that their wives are “formidable.”
“Like you don’t want to f–k with them,” Lowe said. “I want no part of running afoul of either of our three wives.”
Both Good Charlotte musicians agreed, calling their wives “queens” and “forces.”
“Go against my wife. Good luck,” Benji playfully threatened, with Lowe replying, “Yeah, I don’t want to tangle with Cameron.”
Benji and “The Holiday” actress, 52, tied the knot in 2015, and they share two kids: daughter Raddix, 5, and son Cardinal, 1.
Meanwhile, Joel and the “Simple Life’ alum, 43, got married five years prior and share two children: daughter Harlow, 17, and son Sparrow, 15.
As for Lowe and Berkoff, 63, they have been married since 1991 and have two sons: Matthew, 32, and John, 29.
