Former Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson has ignited a widespread online discussion after sharing an Instagram video of herself kissing her two-year-old son, Barrett 'Bear' East, on the lips. The clip, capturing a seemingly affectionate moment during a boat outing, has drawn a spectrum of responses, ranging from support to criticism.
In the video, Johnson's husband, Andrew East, who is also a former NFL player, playfully reacts as their son kisses Johnson on the mouth. Johnson captioned the post with an expression of surprise and affection. However, the public's reaction on social media quickly divided.
Critics voiced concerns, with some labeling the act as inappropriate and citing that such kisses represent romantic attraction. Others expressed discomfort, calling the gesture "germy and weird" and suggesting parents should discourage this type of interaction. One commenter noted that children might emulate adult kissing behaviors they observe.
Conversely, many users defended Johnson's actions, describing the kisses as a normal expression of love from a toddler. Supporters shared their own experiences of affectionate displays with their young children, with some suggesting that negative reactions stem from personal trauma or an "unwell" mindset. They emphasized that such behavior is typical for a toddler and that boundaries naturally evolve as the child grows.
This debate echoes similar controversies involving other public figures. David Beckham has faced scrutiny for sharing kisses on the lips with his daughter, Harper, on multiple occasions. In 2018, Beckham defended his actions, stating that he kisses all of his children on the lips as a reflection of how he and his wife, Victoria Beckham, were raised and their desire to show affection and protect their children.
Actress Hilary Duff also encountered criticism in 2016 after posting a photo of herself kissing her then-three-year-old son, Luca, on the lips. Duff later addressed the backlash, stating that she believed in kissing her children and that those who disapproved could unfollow her. She characterized the negative judgments as "crazy" and advised to "laugh it off."
Tom Brady also shared a moment of a similar nature, appearing in a 2018 documentary kissing his then-10-year-old son, Jack, on the lips.
The exchange surrounding Johnson's video highlights the diverse perspectives on parental affection and the boundaries of physical intimacy between parents and young children in the public eye.