Lauryn Goodman has furiously hit out at an Instagram user who sent racist abuse directed towards her toddler son.
The 30-year-old businesswoman is the proud mother of 14-month-old Kairo Walker – a son she shares with England footballer Kyle Walker, 31, with whom she had a brief relationship in 2019.
Lauryn took to social media on Sunday to share a photo of her son wearing an England football top ahead of the dramatic 2020 UEFA European Football Championship final match against Italy – which England lost on penalties.
The protective mother hit out at an Instagram user who responded to the photo of her son with a string of monkey emojis – which carry racist connotations.
The incident took place after England footballers Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka received similar racist comments online following Sunday night’s game – with the abuse directed towards the sportsmen shocking the nation.
Responding to the online troll via Instagram Stories on Monday, Lauryn wrote: “Are you f***ing joking? After today and you STILL show racism!
“My son is 14 months old you absolute scum. Mate you wouldn’t dare say this s**t to my face.”
Despairing, she added: “Honestly this [world] is at a loss I swear.”
Lauryn urged other Instagram users to report the offending account, which appears to have since been deleted.
Expressing appreciation for her follower’s support, the mum-of-one added: “Thank you to each and every one of you for reporting that disgusting acc and messaging me.
“Your love and support never goes unnoticed! Love you all! Kairo literally has the best support from you guys & I do!”
On Monday, Lauryn shared her own support towards Marcus, Jadon and Bukayo in an Instagram post on her main feed.
Addressing the vile racist abuse the lads have suffered, she wrote: “I still can’t even believe this still happens, its truly devastating. I’m disgusted & I pray this world gets better.
“They are the same people that would be cheering them if they won. Horrendous behaviour.”
She continued: “Thank you so much @england for uniting the country after a hard couple of years. You did so well and we are all so proud.”
She added: “We need to educate our babies to make sure this doesn’t continue. How many times do we have to keep speaking out until there is a change!! Action! NO room for racism.”
The abuse suffered by the England players has been met with universal condemnation from football fans and beyond.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and future king, Prince William, have both expressed their shock and condemnation of the abuse that has been sent to the players – who each missed penalty shots on Sunday night ahead of Italy's victory.
While petitions have been launched to have social media companies force users to share their ID before accounts are allowed to be opened – a move that would likely be unenforceable as companies like Facebook and Instagram exist outside the remit of UK law.
