Victoria Beckham photo kissing daughter: Parents share family photos in support of fashion designer

But 'controversy' over the image appears to be overblown

(Instagram)

Parents have been sharing family pictures in support of Victoria Beckham after a photo of her kissing her daughter sparked an unlikely debate.

Like many parents in this social media-dominated age, Beckham marked her only daughter’s fifth birthday on Instagram. The fashion designer shared a picture of herself kissing her daughter on the mouth while on holiday alongside the caption: “Happy birthday baby girl. We all love you so much. Kisses from mummy.”

The image has drawn an unprecedented response. A number of articles followed asking if a parent kissing a child on the lips was "controversial" in response to negative comments left on Beckham's page. They included: “It's nice but you're not supposed to kiss you're children on the lips. I'm not trying to be rude but it's true," and, "Not a fan of kissing my kids on the lips...That's just me.” Other outlets asked if people felt "offended" by the image.

The BBC responded with a piece addressing what it described as a “vague sense of unease” demonstrated by some commentators. It also invited a "social etiquette" expert to comment on the photo, who argued it was an unusual practice but ultimately a parent's choice.

But the “controversy” appears to be overblown. A trawl through over five thousand responses to her image produces largely positive replies and only a scattering of negative comments.

Instead, the overwhelming reaction has come from parents horrified at the criticism being directed at Beckham. “The fact that Victoria Beckham is getting backlash for kissing her daughter on the lips is so worrying," wrote one. "What is wrong with people?”

Others included: “Unbelievable that people are making a massive deal about Victoria Beckham kissing her daughter, she's her mother, grow up.”

“It’s a sad inditement on the world that THIS gets such a negative response.”

On Twitter, many parents are showing their support to Beckham with their own family photos.

A representative for Beckham did not immediately respond to a request for comment.