If you spent any time watching reality TV in the mid-2010s, you probably remember the absolute chaos that was Aubrey O'Day and Pauly D. They were the definition of a "toxic" celebrity pairing—high highs, incredibly public lows, and a lot of shouting on Marriage Boot Camp. But even years after they called it quits, a specific question keeps popping up in Google searches: what happened with the Aubrey O'Day and Pauly D daughter?
There's a lot of confusion here. Honestly, if you’re looking for a birth certificate with both their names on it, you’re going to be looking for a long time. It doesn't exist.
The reality of the situation is a mix of biological facts and some very public "step-parenting" moments that happened while the cameras were rolling. Let's set the record straight on who the daughter actually belongs to and why everyone still thinks Aubrey and Pauly have a kid together.
The Reality Check: Who Is the Daughter?
Let's be clear: Aubrey O’Day and Pauly D do not have a daughter together. The little girl people often associate with them is Amabella Sophia Markert. She is Pauly D’s biological daughter, but her mother isn't the Danity Kane singer. Amabella was born in May 2013 to a woman named Amanda Markert.
Pauly and Amanda weren't even a "couple" in the traditional sense. It was a one-night stand in Las Vegas that changed the Jersey Shore star's life forever. Pauly actually didn't find out about Amabella until she was already several months old. Once he did, things got messy. There was a nasty, very public custody battle where they traded barbs in the press before finally settling into a co-parenting rhythm.
So, why the confusion with Aubrey?
Aubrey entered the picture in 2016. She and Pauly met while filming Famously Single, a show literally designed for celebrities who suck at dating. They fell hard and fast.
During their roughly year-and-a-half relationship, Aubrey wasn't just "the girlfriend." She was deeply involved in Pauly’s life, and that included Amabella. Pauly famously stated in 2016 that Aubrey was the first and only girl he had ever introduced to his daughter. That’s a massive deal for a guy who keeps his private life relatively locked down compared to his GTL persona.
Because Aubrey was so vocal about wanting a family and spoke often about her bond with "Pauly’s mini-me," the public narrative shifted. People started seeing them as a family unit. When you see photos of a couple with a kid for two years, your brain just sorta fills in the gaps.
The "Mini-Me" Factor and the Toxic Split
Amabella is often called Pauly’s twin. She’s got the same energy, and according to Pauly, she’s already a "mini-DJ."
Aubrey took to the step-mom role with a lot of intensity. She spoke in interviews about how much she loved the little girl. But the relationship between the adults was, well, a wreck. They broke up and got back together more times than we can count.
When they finally called it quits for good in 2017, it wasn't a "let's stay friends" situation. It was scorched earth. Aubrey later described the relationship as "torture" and "toxic." Pauly, on the other hand, told People magazine that he "dodged a bullet."
Aubrey’s Own Path to Motherhood
While there is no Aubrey O’Day and Pauly D daughter, Aubrey has been very open about her own journey toward becoming a mother. In early 2023, she shared the heartbreaking news that she had suffered a miscarriage.
She hasn't publicly named the father of that pregnancy, only describing him as "someone special." It’s clear that her desire to have a child has been a driving force in her life for a decade. She’s mentioned in various interviews that she’s open to adoption or other paths, but as of 2026, she does not have biological children.
The "Mandela Effect" of Reality TV
It is wild how many people swear they remember Aubrey being pregnant by Pauly. This is basically the celebrity gossip version of the Mandela Effect.
- The Timeline: Amabella was born in 2013. Aubrey and Pauly met in 2016.
- The Introduction: Pauly made a huge media splash about Aubrey meeting his daughter.
- The Longing: Aubrey constantly talked about wanting Pauly to "step up" and have a family with her.
When you mix those three things together in the 24-hour tabloid cycle, the "step-daughter" label often gets dropped for the more sensational "their daughter" headline.
Where Are They Now?
Pauly D has moved on in a big way. He’s been in a long-term, much more stable relationship with Nikki Hall (whom he met on Double Shot at Love). Interestingly, Nikki has also met Amabella, and Pauly has noted that they get along great. It seems he learned a few lessons from the chaotic Aubrey years about how to integrate a partner into his daughter's life.
Aubrey continues to be a fixture in reality TV and music discussions, often reflecting on her past with a level of honesty that makes most PR reps cringe. She’s a survivor of the early 2000s "fame machine," and her search for a "grateful miracle" (as she calls her future child) continues.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following this story to stay updated on the Jersey Shore or Danity Kane extended universe, here is what you actually need to know:
- Check the dates: If a headline claims Aubrey and Pauly are co-parenting a teenager, it's fake. Amabella is Pauly's child with Amanda Markert.
- Follow the right accounts: For actual updates on Pauly's life as a "Girl Dad," his interviews with People or E! News are the only places he really shares details. He is very protective of Amabella's privacy and rarely posts her face on social media.
- Support the journey: Aubrey's openness about miscarriage is an important conversation. If you're a fan, focusing on her current advocacy and music is more grounded than chasing old rumors about a "secret daughter."
The Aubrey O'Day and Pauly D daughter story is a classic example of how reality TV blurred the lines between "playing a part" and real-life family dynamics. They weren't just two people dating; they were two brands colliding, and the "family" aspect was just one part of the high-stakes drama that eventually burned out.