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Julie Bowen Criticized for Poking Fun at Barron Trump During Inauguration: ‘Just Trying to Keep It Light’

Too far? Julie Bowen faced criticism after she joked about President Donald Trump‘s youngest son, Barron, on social media during the January 20 inauguration.

Julie Bowen and Barron Trump
Julie Bowen and Barron Trump Todd Williamson/Getty Images for Porsche; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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In a series of Instagram posts, the Modern Family actress, 46, commented on the POTUS and First Lady Melania Trump‘s 10-year-old son’s demeanor. “I think Barron is on his Gameboy. Can’t say I blame him,” she captioned one photo of Barron looking down at the floor during his father’s swearing-in ceremony.

I think Barron is on his Gameboy. Can’t say I can blame him.

A post shared by Julie Bowen (@itsjuliebowen) on

Bowen, who captioned several of her posts with the hashtag #barronforpresident, then joked about Barron’s upset expression as he held his head in both hands. “Barron, a voting majority shares your horror,” she wrote. Next, Bowen shared a picture of Barron rubbing his right eye, writing, “When your dad is boppin’ his head to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. #dadshame.”

Barron, a voting majority shares your horror. #barronforpresident

A post shared by Julie Bowen (@itsjuliebowen) on

When your dad is boppin’ his head to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. #dadshame #barronforpresident

A post shared by Julie Bowen (@itsjuliebowen) on

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Finally, the Lost alum jokingly criticized CNN for cutting Barron out of the frame of its broadcast. “Hey @CNN! Don’t box the Barron!” she wrote.

Hey @CNN! Don’t box the Barron!

A post shared by Julie Bowen (@itsjuliebowen) on

Though Bowen’s Instagram posts each got thousands of likes, several users accused her of bullying and sharing negative comments about a member of the first family. “Boo! I used to like you and follow your Instagram! Unfollowing and not watching @abcmodernfam anymore,” one person wrote. Another added, “Just because you don’t like his dad, don’t poke fun at the kid. I used to like you Julie. Grow up!”

Related: PHOTOS: Donald Trump's Inauguration Day

The actress was further attacked on Twitter, where one woman asked, “Why would you choose to focus on a child? What if the son was one of your own?” Bowen caught wind of the criticism and tweeted back, “I love that Barron is just being a kid. My kids would be a horror show at a public event! Just trying to keep it light.”

Bowen has not removed the posts from her Instagram account.

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