Uh-oh. Sarah Palin has found herself at the center of controversy, yet again, after she posted Facebook photos of her 6-year-old son Trig standing on top of the family dog on Thursday, Jan. 1.
“Happy New Year!” the former Alaska governor, 50, told her fans. “May 2015 see every stumbling block turned into a stepping stone on the path forward. Trig just reminded me. He, determined to help wash dishes with an oblivious mama not acknowledging his signs for ‘up!’, found me and a lazy dog blocking his way. He made his stepping stone.”
Accompanying her post were photos of Trig, who has Down syndrome, playfully putting one foot on top of the resting black Lab.
Despite Palin’s seemingly innocuous illustration, Facebook followers were nevertheless outraged by the photos. “That is animal cruelty and this boy should be punished!!!!” one user wrote. Another added: “Please do not allow your son to stand on your dog . eventually he’ll be heavy enough to really injury your fur guy.”
As of Friday afternoon, the post had garnered more than 7,500 shares and 14,500 comments on the social media network. The former GOP Vice Presidential nominee, meanwhile, has yet to respond to the gaffe.
Palin’s latest controversial post comes several months after her family’s now-infamous brawl at a birthday party in 2014. According to the official police report, Palin’s children Track, 25, and Bristol, 24, got physically involved in the bloody altercation.
Despite what had transpired during the fight, Palin defended her daughter in a Facebook post days later. “I love my Bristol!” Palin wrote. “My straight-shooter is one of the strongest young women you’ll ever meet. I have to say this as a proud mama: right up there with their work ethic and heart for those less fortunate, my kids’ defense of family makes my heart soar!”
Charges were later dropped from the incident.
Tell Us: What do you think of Palin’s latest Facebook update?