Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after sharing a family outing photo without his child wearing a life jacket.

The image, posted on Instagram, shows the Australian rugby star enjoying a sunny day on a moving boat with his son, Billy, three, and an unidentified baby, but the apparent absence of life jackets for either of them quickly drew the ire of concerned fans.

One wrote, ‘Where [are] the life jackets for the little kids if you had boating accident so poor little souls would drown’. 

 Another user added, ‘Call me Karen, but for the love of God man, keep your precious ones safe. Life vests FFS!’

Cummins fired back in the comments, writing in response to one of the critics, ‘have a day off Karen, you know where the door is’. 

The commenter replied, ‘it’s not just me saying [it] there’s way more [people calling you out] about the life jackets . Don’t call me a Karen cause of your poor decision taking you little babies in a boat.’ 

Not all responses were critical, with some fans jumping to Cummins’ defense.

One user began, ‘First thought for me was the absolute love between a father and his kiddoes. 

Nic ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after sharing a family outing photo without his child wearing a life jacket

‘Then I read about life vests and the vitriol displayed here towards a loving family is disgusting,’ they added.

The user continued: ‘This is a lovely example of a family unit.’

Other supporters commented, ‘@nickbadger I had to lol at all the Karen’s in the comments. Looks like you guys are having the best time.’

The image, posted on Instagram, shows the Australian rugby star enjoying a sunny day on the water with his son, Billy, three, but the apparent absence of life jackets quickly drew the ire of concerned fans

Comments on the post were divided, with some fans expressing their outrage and concern over the perceived safety oversight, while others defended the reality TV star

Some users expressed frustration over the constant judgment from others.

One stated, ‘All these people trying to tell him how to parent… not your kids, just scroll on Karen’s. Beautiful kids fabulous memories.’

However another responded, ‘Really stupidly as a parent especially that little,’ reflecting the persistent divide in public opinion. 

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Cummins for comment. 

Nick welcomed his son Billy, with partner Alexandra George, in October 2022. All pictured 

Nick welcomed his son Billy, with partner Alexandra George, in October 2022. 

And while Nick has enjoyed a successful media career after appearing on The Bachelor in 2018, he says he doesn’t think he will encourage his son to get into the public eye. 

Speaking to Media Week in 2023, he said: ‘I think privacy is the new goal. 

‘Now going forward, we’ll probably get off grid a little bit and just try and get him to learn some of the really important things like family and connecting to the earth and just feeling whole within yourself.’

Nick also said that becoming a father has forced him to ‘grow up’. 

‘When he was first here, you get this massive responsibility that hits you and you have to shake yourself,’ he explained.

‘Now I have to grow up, there are things that are much more important than me. You’re excited because it frees your mind and you live a life of service. I’m just super pumped and I’m growing up.’