Teen Mom in Viral Video of Baby Vaping Won't Face Charges, Sparking Public Outrage
Annie Donovan/Facebook; @iamkatrina687/Twitter
A teen mom seen holding her infant son after he is offered a vape in a viral video will not face charges, according to police in New South Wales. Donovan's aunt allegedly put the vape in the infant's mouth as a crowd watched and laughed.
Authorities visited a Kempsey, New South Wales, home for a welfare check on February 28 after the video began circling on social media, according to Media Entertainment Arts Worldwide.
Investigators found nothing remarkable during the visit and reportedly do not plan to press charges. This has left the public outraged and wondering how an adult giving a baby a vape can be overlooked.
Annie Donovan/Facebook; @iamkatrina687/Twitter
THE VIDEO IS SHOCKING, TO SAY THE LEAST.
Annie Donovan/Facebook; @iamkatrina687/Twitter
In the video, Lebron is sitting on his mother's lap wearing only a diaper. The adults laugh like it is just a cute baby trick. But most people don't agree with the little game and think it's cruel.
MEAWW reported that New South Wales police visited the Donovans' home to check on the baby.
AFTER WIDESPREAD OUTRAGE OVER THE VIDEO, POLICE INVESTIGATED THE HOME.
"Police have now spoken with the child's family and – following advice provided by with medical professionals and other governmental agencies – no further police action will be taken," the department noted in a statement.
Annie Donovan/Facebook; @iamkatrina687/Twitter
THE MOTHER CLAIMS TO BE SORRY.
According to the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph spoke with Donovan, who said, "It was just a silly joke, I put the vape up near him, and I never thought he would grab it, I thought he'd push it away."
Annie Donovan/Facebook; @iamkatrina687/Twitter
Annie Donovan/Facebook; @iamkatrina687/Twitter
Her mother, Kristy, claims that the family had to move because of what happened. But not all of her family agrees with Donovan and her mother.
Annie Donovan/Facebook; @iamkatrina687/Twitter
"It's honestly putrid, I will not say that it's not because it is and I would remove my nephew from that situation," she said.
Plenty of TikTokers saw the post and have a lot to say.
POLICE MAY THINK IT'S OK, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE ELSE EVIDENTLY DISAGREES.
DONOVAN SEEMS TO NEED A LESSON ON THE DANGERS OF VAPING.
In addition to the harmful effects of nicotine, inhaling the harsh chemicals in vapes can cause severe lung conditions and diseases, according to the CDC.
"Set a good example by being tobacco-free and ensure that your kid is not exposed to the secondhand emissions from any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes," the CDC suggests.
