The mother of an 11-month-old baby boy who was filmed with a vape in his mouth has spoken out following backlash.
As reported by news.com.au, the mom - from New South Wales, Australia - first hit headlines after footage emerged on social media showing her baby boy inhaling from a vape. In the background, his mom can be heard laughing as the boy inhaled from an e-cigarette provided by his aunt.
However, after the footage was posted online, the mom faced fierce criticism from social media users and even a visit from the Mid-North Coast Police.
Now, in an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph, the 16-year-old mom has said she wasn't aware that the incident was being filmed.
Describing it as a "silly joke", she added: "I wish I didn’t do it, but I never meant to hurt him. I would never hurt him."
Meanwhile, in a post shared on Facebook, the mom reportedly told her critics: "Every c*** got the hide to sit there and talk about me and my child, take a look in yas own backyard."
"You ain’t perfect either so keep that mouth going you ain’t scary, you’re nothing but bums," she added.
A spokesperson from the New South Wales Police Department has confirmed that a "concern-for-welfare report" took place and that "no further action will be taken".
"Police have now spoken with the child’s family and – following advice provided by medical professionals and other governmental agencies – no further police action will be taken," a statement from the department revealed.
The viral video led to many people calling for the mother to face legal consequences - with some people even demanding that she be jailed.
Sydney-based 2GB radio presenter Ben Fordham said last week, per the Daily Mail: "They've got to do something here because this is child abuse.
"Whoever is responsible, and anyone who witnessed what happened and didn't report it should go to jail. People are laughing, what's wrong with people, your brains must be fried. You've got serious issues and you should be in jail for doing this to an innocent little child.'
Daily Mail Australia also reported that the child was taken to the hospital for a check-up, with a relative later telling Seven News that he was in good health after the incident.