After sharing photos of her newborn with fiancée Kristie Mewis, soccer star Sam Kerr receives backlash from conservative politician Lyle Shelton. Here’s what he said and how fans are reacting.
Sam Kerr Faces Vile Criticism from Politician Over Baby Photo with Fiancée Kristie Mewis
A Joyful Moment Turns Sour
Australian soccer star Sam Kerr and her American fiancée Kristie Mewis recently welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Jagger. The couple shared sweet photos of their newborn on social media, receiving a flood of support and congratulations from fans around the world.
‘Where’s Dad?’: Lyle Shelton Sparks Outrage
While many celebrated the news, Family First national director Lyle Shelton took the opportunity to publicly criticize the couple. Sharing a photo of Kerr, Mewis, and baby Jagger, Shelton wrote:
“A baby is born – but where’s dad?”
He continued,
“Family First congratulates Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis on the birth of their son – but we must speak a truth too many are afraid to say. No child should be deliberately deprived of their father. Children aren’t lifestyle accessories – they’re human beings with rights.”
Doubling Down on Conservative Rhetoric
Shelton, a leading figure in Australia’s ‘No’ campaign against same-sex marriage, went on to question modern family structures.
“When cultural elites cheer on choices that sideline dads, who’s left standing for the child?”
He added,
“Love is not enough. Every child deserves – and needs – a mum and a dad, wherever possible. It’s time to put children’s rights before adult desires.”
United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet echoed Shelton’s sentiments, commenting,
“Children need both a mother and a father.”
Kerr and Mewis Remain Focused on Family
Despite the backlash, Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis continue to share their happiness. The couple, who got engaged in September 2023, plan to marry this December. Kerr, who is currently recovering from an ACL rupture suffered during a Chelsea training camp in early 2024, resumed individual training in January. A return date to competitive football remains uncertain.
