While the 'How I Met Your Father' actress remains mum on the criticism, her husband Matthew Koma catches wind of the criticism and apparently doesn't take the backlash well.
- January 4, 2022
AceShowbiz - Hilary Duff faced online criticism for seemingly neglecting her daughter's safety. The "How I Met Your Father" actress was slammed after 3-year-old Banks, whom she shares with husband Matthew Koma, was seen riding in the back seat of a vehicle without a car seat.
Sharing a video of the controversial moment was Molly Bernard, Hilary's "Younger" co-star. In an Instagram clip on Monday, January 3, Banks was seen adorably talking to the camera inside a moving car. However, one thing that caught people's attention was that Banks sitting in the back seat without being fully strapped in with a seatbelt or the use of a car seat.
It must be noted that in California, where Hilary and Matthew reside, the law states that children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Fans quickly weighed in on the matter. "I love all of you but Banks not in a car seat breaks my CPST heart," one concerned fan wrote.
"Unless you're running from a wildfire or some other emergency/disaster there is ZERO reason for a toddler to be in a car like this… WTF??!" someone else added.
Matthew caught wind of the criticism and apparently didn't take it well. "You're the kind of person who cuts up a kid's Apple sauce, hey?" the music producer replied to one of the critics. He also wrote, "you truly are a hero for speaking up," to someone who recommended the young parents to check out an organization called @carseatsforthelittles.
Meanwhile, Hilary remains mum about the matter. It was her fans who came to her defense with one commenting, "While yes I agree the seatbelt should be properly worn it definitely looks like she is in a booster." Another comment read, "It is clear that this precious girl loves Molly and that there is no bad intent here. I'm sure this will be used as a learning experience but for people to be calling for a cps investigation that is really far to take this."
"You can't even see from the video. My niece's booster seat is at [the] bottom … it's just a seat and it just elevates her. She probably has that type of booster seat. Ppl should reserve judgment," another fan explained. However, someone else noted that "at her age, a booster needs to be behind her back and up the sides. She isn't in a booster."
