It was supposed to be a fun, sun-drenched birthday party — balloons, Lego towers, and a two-year-old beaming in a tiny party hat. Instead, Otto Matthews’ second birthday at Legoland Windsor Resort turned into an unforgettable, if painful, family moment when the toddler bit his father, Spencer Matthews, squarely in the groin. The incident, recounted by his mother, Vogue Williams, was described as sudden, shocking, and oddly typical — a brutal snapshot of toddlerhood that no parenting book prepares you for.
The Moment It Happened
It happened during a quiet lull in the chaos. Spencer had just lifted Otto onto his shoulders for a better view of the Miniland display, when the boy — smiling, giggling, utterly unprovoked — sank his teeth into his father’s lower abdomen. No tantrum. No warning. Just a sharp, unexpected snap. "It was so random, we just..." Williams later told reporters, trailing off, as if the absurdity of it still left her speechless. The pain, she said, was immediate. Spencer, known for his polished reality TV persona on Made in Chelsea, reportedly winced, muttered something under his breath, and carried on like a pro — because what else do you do when your kid decides your groin is the perfect chew toy?
Legoland Windsor, the 150-acre Merlin Entertainments Group-owned theme park in Windsor, Berkshire, didn’t issue a statement. No staff intervened. No medical team was called. The incident, as far as public records show, was handled privately — the way most parents handle these moments: with a grimace, a quick change of clothes, and a shared look that says, "We’ve been here before."
The Biting Phase: More Than Just a Phase
This wasn’t Otto’s first bite. Nor, according to multiple reports from Goss.ie, will it be his last. Williams and Matthews have openly described their son’s behavior as a "hitting and biting phase" — a term that sounds innocuous until you’re the one on the receiving end. Williams, an Irish model and former reality star, has admitted she bears the brunt of Otto’s aggression. In one incident captured by bystanders at a London park, she was shouted at by a stranger for "being too lenient" after Otto swung at another child. She responded not with anger, but exhaustion: "I’m not letting him hurt anyone. But I can’t control his impulses."
Developmental psychologists say biting between 18 and 36 months is common — about 10% of toddlers exhibit frequent biting, often due to language delays, sensory overload, or frustration. But when it’s targeted, repeated, and hits sensitive areas? That’s when the joke stops. "It’s not defiance," explains Dr. Eleanor Tait, a child behavior specialist in London. "It’s communication without words. But that doesn’t make it any less painful — or any less real for the parent who’s been bitten 17 times this month."
Parenting in the Public Eye
What makes this story resonate isn’t just the groin bite — it’s the spotlight. Williams and Matthews are celebrities. Their family life is documented, shared, and dissected. Their wedding was televised. Their kids are Instagram-famous. But behind the curated reels and glossy magazine spreads lies the messy, unfiltered reality of raising toddlers — especially when those toddlers have a knack for biting the wrong body part at the wrong time.
"We’re not special because we’re famous," Williams told Goss.ie in a rare candid moment. "We’re just tired. And we’re trying."
Other celebrity parents have faced similar moments: Chrissy Teigen’s daughter Luna bit her father John Legend during a family dinner. Gigi Hadid’s son has been seen grabbing and shoving at public events. But few have spoken so plainly about the physical toll. Most parents don’t have a camera crew following them. Williams and Matthews do — and yet, they’re choosing to show the ugly, honest parts too.
What Comes Next?
The biting phase doesn’t last forever — most children outgrow it by age three. But until then, the Matthews household is likely bracing for more. Williams has reportedly started working with a pediatric occupational therapist to help Otto regulate sensory input. They’ve begun using visual emotion cards to help him express frustration before it turns to teeth. And yes, they’ve started wearing longer pants.
There’s no public plan to turn this into a documentary. No charity campaign. No viral hashtag. Just a family doing their best — one bite, one hug, one exhausted laugh at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Otto bite Spencer in the groin?
There’s no evidence Otto targeted the area intentionally — toddlers often bite where they can reach during moments of sensory overload or excitement. The groin is simply accessible when held on a parent’s shoulders. Experts say it’s rarely about aggression; it’s about communication without language. The location was coincidental, not malicious.
Is this behavior common among toddlers?
Yes. Around 10% of toddlers bite regularly, peaking between 18 and 30 months. It’s often linked to language delays, overstimulation, or difficulty managing emotions. Most children stop by age three with consistent boundaries and alternative coping strategies — like using words, drawing feelings, or taking deep breaths.
Why is Vogue Williams said to bear the brunt of Otto’s behavior?
Williams has spoken openly about being the primary caregiver during Otto’s most challenging moments. She’s often present during meltdowns, public outings, and bedtime routines — increasing her exposure to his aggressive outbursts. Reports from Goss.ie confirm she’s been bitten, slapped, and kicked more frequently than Spencer, not because she’s less capable, but because she’s more often in the line of fire.
Did Legoland Windsor Resort take any action after the incident?
No. Legoland Windsor, operated by Merlin Entertainments Group PLC, did not issue any public statement or record the incident. Theme parks rarely intervene in private family behavior unless safety is directly threatened. The Matthews family handled it privately, as most parents do — even when the world is watching.
Is there a pattern in how celebrity parents handle toddler aggression?
Many celebrity parents avoid discussing it publicly, fearing judgment. But those who do — like Williams, Teigen, and Hadid — are shifting the narrative. They’re showing that even with resources, fame, and support, parenting toddlers is raw, unpredictable, and sometimes physically painful. Their honesty is helping normalize what many feel but rarely say aloud.
Will Otto’s behavior improve?
Almost certainly. Toddler biting phases typically resolve by age three with consistent routines, emotional coaching, and sensory regulation tools. Williams has already begun working with a pediatric occupational therapist, which significantly increases the likelihood of progress. The bite may have been shocking, but it’s not a life sentence — just a chapter in a very loud, very human parenting story.
