Dwyane Wade calls out critics who mocked his son for wearing fake nails: 'Stupidity is a part of this world we live in'
Gabrielle Union isn’t the only loved one getting some support from Dwyane Wade. On Saturday, the athlete and father of four took to Twitter to defend his son from online trolls.
Last week, the retired NBA star spoke out amid reports that his actress wife had been fired from America’s Got Talent after complaining about various workplace issues on the set of the NBC talent show.
As Wade and stars like Debra Messing and Ellen Pompeo rallied around her, Union posted a family photo to convey her gratitude for the show of support. But the shot of the Wade clan gathered for Thanksgiving has sparked some more drama for the celebrity couple, thanks to trolls mocking Wade’s 12-year-old son Zion for rocking dramatic fake nails and a crop top in the photo.
Many commenters took issue with Zion’s appearance, leaving remarks like “encourage this boy to dress manly” and criticizing dad Wade and stepmother Union for letting him wear fake nails. While the couple have not explicitly addressed the boy’s sexuality, Union joined Zion and his mom, Siovaughn Funches, at the Miami Beach Pride Parade this April, and she and Wade launched a T-shirt range to support LGTBQ youth this fall.
As a family, we believe inclusion and equality are two essential pillars needed to move towards growth and progressive thinking and action in our society. We have created a Limited Edition T shirt to help create a more inclusive space with our platform. pic.twitter.com/Lm0c4oZrLY
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 13, 2019
But others called the backlash homophobic and praised Wade and Union for letting Zion express himself. The former Miami Heat star responded to the controversy on Twitter on Saturday, sharing that he’s committed to making his children “feel that I see them, love them and support them.”
As a parent my only goal is that my kids feel that i see them , love them and support them. https://t.co/ZrJp9WFdbi
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 30, 2019
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 30, 2019
A third tweet called out the “hate” his family had received, adding that “stupidity is a part of this world we live in.”
He went on to defend his parenting and Zion’s right to dress as he chooses.
“I’ve been chose to lead my family, not y’all,” he posted. “So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love and a smile.”
I’ve seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo. Stupidity is apart of this world we live in—so i get it. But here’s the thing—I’ve been chosen to lead my family not y’all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love & a smile! ?🏾
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 30, 2019
Wade’s response has fans hailing him as a “great example” for other parents.
“Dwyane Wade is not gonna be the homophobic dad y’all want him to be,” read one comment. “Unlike your parents he actually loves his kids; leave him alone.”
Keep doing you brother. You're a real one.
— Omar Hersi (@HerciMerci) November 30, 2019
you don't know me from a can of paint but thank you for loving your child unconditionally, no matter what anyone else may say or think.
— employee of the bearimy (@crissles) December 1, 2019
I've only seen love, I must've been lucky. You're a great example, D. Keep doing you💓
— *IfediWAP* (@SMBLOB) November 30, 2019
Related Video: Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade Are the Most Adorable Couple
Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Lifestyle’s newsletter.
