Olivia Munn faces flak after letting her toddler go shoeless on NYC streets: 'That's a mom not in charge'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Olivia Munn's son Malcolm's shoeless stroll through New York City lit up social media with gritty parenting criticism.

The 44-year-old actress and mother of two shared a series of candid photos on Instagram showing her three-year-old son walking down a sidewalk in nothing but socks.

Olivia Munn gets real about toddler meltdowns

In one shot, Olivia Munn, carrying her infant daughter, Mei, strapped to her chest, holds Malcolm’s hand as he marches confidently in his white grip socks, jeans, and blue shirt through the bustling streets.

"Yes, this is my 3-year-old walking through the streets of New York in only his socks," the actress wrote in her vulnerable, relatable caption.

"I’m posting this for all the parents who thought it would be great to take advantage of the beautiful weather and took their toddler on a walk only for them to lie down screaming on the floor of Whole Foods, run through the aisles of CVS screaming ‘I don’t like anyone!!’ and knocked over your iced tea before your first sip, all while carrying your 7-month-old strapped to your body," she added.  

"After all of that, he insisted on walking home without his shoes. And in a moment which I can only describe as total exhaustion, I said okay. So we walked over a mile home with only socks… through every street in NY," Munn continued.

"This outing will live in infamy in my memory as the day I tried my absolute best, got us home without another tantrum and learned that the rubber padding on toddler socks can only take so much. Cheers to anyone else who went through this today or any other day. You have my utmost respect," she concluded.

Olivia Munn faces backlash over toddler’s sock-only walk in NYC

While Olivia Munn opened up about the struggles of parenting, critics were quick to pounce on her decision to let Malcolm walk sock-only, warning of the health hazards lurking on city streets.

Under her Instagram post, one wrote, "Well in NYC that is filthy and a rat might bite the poor childs toes," and another said, "I would never let a child walk barefoot in a city known for used drug needles and human feces on the sidewalk."

A person added, "Letting your child be exposed to disgusting dirt and whatever else is on their streets including sharp objects really stupid idea."

Someone else noted, "Well, that's a mom not in charge...the kid is running the show." 

One more remarked, "This is my number one pet peeve when I see children shoeless. If you're at the beach, back yard, in your house, fine. But walking streets or in stores with no shoes, yuck. You are the parent, tell them to put their shoes on or don't go out."

Another person declared, "Shoeless in the country is one thing. In NY is absolutely wrong." "Money doesn’t give you brains! Who was supposed to be in charge here?" an individual asked. 

One bluntly wrote, "She's too obsessed with herself to be a good mom.., Hope dad steps up." "Munn might want to try acting like 'the parent'!!" read one more comment. 

Celebrity parents come to Olivia Munn's defense 

Still, just as many, if not more, came rushing to her defense, including fellow moms and celebrities who saw themselves in the moment of sheer survival, as per Fox News.

Jenna Dewan chimed in, "Been here many times," while Amanda Kloots wrote, "Hahahaha love you! All the moms understand this one!"

Padma Lakshmi added her wisdom with a wink: "Haha have totally been there! Now wait til adolescence!" while Andy Cohen said, "I see you!" 

Munn and comedian John Mulaney welcomed Malcolm in November 2021 and daughter Mei via surrogate last year.

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