Mom hits back at critics over viral video showing a “tender” hug with her 16-year-old son after a high school football game

A mother has hit out at criticism after appearing in a viral video “tenderly” hugging her son.

Amber Wright, 38, posted a video to her Instagram account in August that showed her celebrating her 16-year-old son’s high school football win in Utah.

What was intended as an emotional support post turned into a viral debate as many questioned the way she hugged the teenager.

In the video, Wright can be seen jumping into the arms of her son Brixton, who holds her up before returning to the ground.

In a caption, Wright wrote, “This boy will have all of my heart forever and ever.” Gina captured the end of this moment and I am SO grateful.

Amber Wright (left) has slammed critics after her loving hug with her son went viral

Wright was picked up and held by the 16-year-old Brixton, according to a video she shared online

“When I came up to hug my little boy after his game, he immediately picked me up and just held me. It could have been 20 seconds, 30 seconds, a minute, I have no idea. But in that moment time stood completely still.”

Despite the innocent intentions behind the celebration, many online users were quick to suggest that Wright had behaved “inappropriately” towards the teenager.

One comment on the post read: “I literally thought that was his girlfriend,” while another said: “Dude’s future wife has no chance.”

In response to the comments, Wright stated: Today: “I was a proud mother hugging her child.” I never expected it to turn into something where people would say, “You’re sexually abusing him!” You’re grooming him! “I’m calling Child Protective Services.”

She continued: “I come from a very loving family. I hug my father every time I see him. What you saw on the football field shows exactly what we are like. “Brix will pick me up and squeeze me and then put me down again.”

In a post on Instagram four weeks ago, Wright shared screenshots that her son had sent defending his mother’s actions and showing that it was an emotional connection between the family and the family.

Wright insists she has been her son’s biggest supporter, posting regularly at his games

Wright also shared an emotional message from her son that revealed why the game was so meaningful for the entire family

The message from Brixton was: “My mother is my hero.” I just hugged her after the game and picked her up, she didn’t jump on me. My mothers were the only people who were there for me my whole life.

“I grew up with an alcoholic father who just came and went as he pleased. He was great when he was sober, but he wasn’t, he was just so dark and different. “He never really showed up to any of my games or anything like that. My moms have been to every single game since I played.

“My father committed suicide last year and this year I got my number to 44 B.C. Changed in BC, it was his death date (4.4.21). “It was the first time I wore it in person, so obviously she was very emotional and I was too. All it was was a big hug from me to her.”

The 16-year-old has posted several comments in recent weeks defending his mother’s actions before his mother verbally commented on the incident.