Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm has publicly shared a heartwarming image of her two-year-old son, Sampson, bonding with her new boyfriend, Brandon Caust. This tender moment follows a recent social media controversy over her family Christmas photograph.
A Direct Response to Online Critics
The 33-year-old athlete posted the intimate picture on Monday night. It captured a peaceful scene of Caust and the toddler lying on a bed, with young Sampson hugging his chest. Seebohm accompanied the image with a pointed caption, cheekily dedicating it 'for the trolls'. This move was a clear clapback after she faced criticism over a festive holiday snapshot.
The drama began when Seebohm shared a Christmas portrait featuring herself, Sampson, and her new partner. In the photo, her son was sitting on Caust's lap. One follower called the image 'disrespectful to your son's father' and suggested the boy should have been on his mother's lap.
Seebohm was quick to defend her family's choice. 'Thanks for the feedback, but my son chose where he wanted to sit. It's not about anyone apart from him,' she replied. When the critic persisted, Seebohm later expressed her disbelief on Instagram Stories with a simple 'Wow, some people' and a facepalm emoji.
Co-Parenting in the Public Eye
In a coincidental twist, Seebohm's ex-partner, Married At First Sight star Ryan Gallagher, 37, also posted a gallery of photos on the same day. His images showed him enjoying quality time with his son. Gallagher captioned the pictures with the words, 'Can't wait to see my little angel this afternoon.'
The swimmer and Gallagher made headlines in November when their split was officially confirmed, after months of speculation. Their current actions highlight the modern dynamics of separated co-parenting, where both parties continue to celebrate their individual relationships with their child, albeit under the scrutiny of the public eye.
Seebohm's latest post appears to be a firm statement that her son's comfort and happiness are her priority, regardless of online opinion. It underscores the challenges faced by public figures in managing personal family life amidst unsolicited social media commentary.
