The mother of a young boy who stars in a 'woke' John Lewis advert wearing a dress and make up has hit back at trolls for sending her abuse online.
Sam Parker, 35, from Oxford, said she was furious with the comments about her nine-year-old son Reggie's performance in the home insurance ad 'Let Life Happen'.
She said she was told boys should not wear her clothes and others claimed she must have 'forced' him to do it to cash in on the commercial.
John Lewis has stoked widespread fury with the video, with it being branded too woke while some claimed it is not woke enough.
The retailer was hit with allegations of sexism, agenda pushing, appropriating trans culture and sexualising children, receiving nearly 400 complaints.
Others also accused it of encouraging male entitlement and patriarchy due to a young girl and older woman doing little to stop the chaos shown in the clip.
Sam Parker (pictured, with her son), 35, from Oxford, said she was furious with the comments about her nine-year-old son Reggie's performance in the home insurance ad 'Let Life Happen'
She said she was told boys should not wear her clothes and others claimed she must have 'forced' him to do it to cash in on the commercial. Pictured: Reggie
But Mrs Parker last night hit back at those criticising the advert and said she it was just 'fun and innocent'.
The family said they were thrilled when Reggie was confirmed for his first TV role and his parents said they thought there would be some minor reaction to it.
She said: 'I am shocked it has caused so much controversy. It's laughable, how can anyone be so upset and offended over something fun and innocent?.'
The mother-of-two, who works as a nanny, said she loves the advert for showing 'a young boy feeling a sassy vibe'.
She said her and husband Lee, 38, had shaken off most of the criticism but some insults had gone too far.
She said: 'I've read comments from people with old fashioned mind sets who don't want to see a boy in a dress.
'I've seen ridiculous comments saying his 'behaviour' is destructive and spoilt - he is acting in an advert for home insurance.
'But what disgusts me are complaints saying the advert is sexualising Reggie, with lipstick and 'provocative' dance moves.'
She added: 'If you see something sexual in a advert with a young boy - you have a problem.'
The boy smudges paint on his face from a palette he dropped onto the floor while dancing around the house
John Lewis has stoked widespread fury with the video, with it being branded too woke while some claimed it has not gone far enough. Pictured: Reggie playing football and in a dress
The retailer was hit with allegations of sexism, agenda pushing, appropriating trans culture and sexualising children. Pictured: Reggie with his father Lee
The advert, named 'Let Life Happen', premiered during the Great British Bake Off on Monday.
It shows Reggie in a messy bedroom filled with clothes and jewellery that has been dumped on the floor.
The boy, who is wearing a dress over and large necklace over a t-shirt, then flings a pair of heeled shoes at a lamp and low-hanging light before running downstairs.
The advert also shows him picking up an umbrella and hurling it at an ornament as Stevie Nicks' Edge of Seventeen plays in the background.
Dancing and posing throughout, the spectacled boy throws paint on the floor and - with his fingertips covered - then rubs it over his cheeks.
Mrs Parker revealed she had also been targeted with abusive comments claiming she has forced her son to do it for the money.
She said: 'I haven't and never will make money from my children - or any opportunities they choose to do.'
She continued: 'Reggie knew what the advert involved and was really excited to play the part.
'The money will be put into his own account. He will be allowed to spend a small amount because he worked very hard but the rest he will save for when he is older.'
She added: 'I've also read comments that ' a boy should be playing football' - well he does.
'He is a goal keeper, he gets muddy and he is always in the garden or playing Fifa - he also loves dressing up and has been street dancing since he was four and that's ok.'
The advert begins by showing a messy bedroom covered in dumped clothes and jewelry, before the boy appears in a dress over a t-shirt
The boy smashes photo frames as he makes his way downstairs to continue the carnage shown throughout the advert
John Lewis has been hit with allegations of sexism, gender ideology and patriarchy following the release of the advert on Monday
A glass of liquid is spilled onto a kitchen surface and laptop as the boy makes his way through to a dining room, where the advert concludes with him throwing glitter
The commercial is Reggie's first acting role, having only joined the USI agency seven months ago.
Mrs Parker said: 'We love seeing him pop up on our tv, it's amazing. His school friends absolutely love it, his teachers played it in class.
'I explained in advance to Reggie that some people might have questions, I didn't want to be naïve in thinking there wouldn't be some children who might ask why he was wearing a dress.
'But they all thought he was brilliant, enjoyed the fun and chaos and even asked for autographs. It just goes to show that it's only adults over thinking it.'
Mrs Parker decided to speak to Reggie about the comments online, saying he is old enough to be aware and she is so proud of his reaction.
Reggie, who wants to be a brain surgeon shrugged them off, saying: 'I'm not transgender, but even if I was what would it matter?
'It's just a boy dressing up and having fun. It's over the top as it's supposed to be funny.
'Even if I was transgender or gay it doesn't make me who I am or change my performance.
'I like the LGBTQ world, but actually it shouldn't be a thing and everyone should live in one world. A person is a person.'
Angel Tola from USI Agency said: 'We are extremely proud of Reggie and knew he was going to be a superstar.
'The John Lewis advert has proven what an amazing, talented and professional actor Reggie is.
'To get everyone talking about you in this industry is hard to achieve, to do this at the age of 9 is nothing short of incredible.
'We cannot wait to continue working with Reggie, he is definitely one to watch out for.'
Reggie's older sister Imogen, 13, was also spotted in the advert in family photos displayed in the kitchen.
John Lewis defended the advert, saying it was just a 'fictional story' of a boy 'dancing to his favourite song'.
A spokesman said:
