A mother has defended herself after a video of her hugging her son after a football game raised some eyebrows.
Amber Wright, a single mom from Utah, shared a heartwarming video of herself celebrating her son's football victory, little did she know that it would become an internet sensation.
In the clip, which has now been viewed over 9 million times, Amber and her 16-year-old son, Brixton, share an emotional embrace following his team's home game win, per Today.
"I was so proud," gushed Wright. "I was a proud mom hugging her kid."
Wright initially posted the video on her Instagram on August 18, with just 1,500 followers at the time. Fast forward, she now boasts an impressive following of over 19,000 who eagerly tune in for updates on their lives.
However, the viral video also sparked a wave of controversy. Some viewers questioned the nature of their embrace, with comments ranging from concern to outright criticism.
One particular comment read: "It would’ve been cute if it was his girlfriend, but not a mother." Another commenter said: "I wonder how many of his friends are allowed to stay over. My son wouldn’t be allowed for sleepovers at their house."
Wright said: "I never expected it to turn into something where people are like, 'You're sexually abusing him! You're grooming him! I’m calling child protective services.'"
In an attempt to defend the emotional bond between her and Brixton, Wright shared her thoughts with Today.
"I come from a very affectionate family. I hug my dad every time I see him. What you saw on the football field is just how we are. Brix will pick me up and squeeze me and then put me back down," she said.
She further explained that Brixton may have held onto her a "little longer" after the game, as it marked his first time wearing a jersey commemorating his late dad's death date. Brixton's father had passed away on April 4.
"He was feeling emotional, and I think as his mom, I’m his safe space," she said.
In response to the criticism, Brixton himself took to Instagram, writing: "How about you leave my mom alone. She’s never abused me, done anything sexual with me or my friends, or groomed me. She’s my mom; she is my hero. The video of us hugging was a HUG. Go bother someone else and maybe hug your own kids. You all need Jesus damn."
While the controversy rages on, Wright has also received numerous private messages that have been "supportive" and "kind." Many people have rallied behind her on Instagram, sharing their own experiences and perspectives.
"I feel so bad for you and your son. Nobody deserves to be publicly bashed. This was a ridiculous example of who people have become," one person penned on Instagram
A second said: "You go mom! People don’t know the full truth around a situation because they’re just too busy judging the cover and not even bothering to look on the inside."
Regardless of the controversy, Wright and Brixton clearly have a great mother-and-son bond, and that's what truly matters.
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