The mum jetted off on a romantic holiday with her footballer boyfriend and left her one-year-old behind at home
Laura Anderson has hit back at critics after facing a wave of mum-shaming for holidaying in the Maldives without her one-year-old daughter, Bonnie. The former Love Island star, 36, jetted off for a romantic getaway with her boyfriend Clark Robertson and shared a series of sun-soaked snaps from the luxurious trip.
While some fans gushed over the photos of her tropical escape, one follower accused the mum of prioritising travel over parenting. They wrote: “Poor Bonnie ditched again… I just wouldn’t choose to leave my child over and over again thousands of miles away. A wee night away though absolutely!”
Laura didn’t hesitate to respond, replying: “Over and over please explain.” The comment triggered a heated discussion in the replies, with many of Laura’s loyal fans rushing to defend her.
Several branded the critic a “mum-shamer” and praised Laura for taking some well-deserved time for herself. Firing back again, Laura wrote: “No one shames the dads.”
But the original commenter doubled down, saying: “I will if it’s a dad doing it. Shame on Bonnie’s dad, shame on my dad, shame on any dad that treats their kids the way some do. Shame on any sex.
“And I didn’t say shame on you. Just said you’d ditched the wee babe again. I ain’t ringing the bells like a town crier, just saying bairn’s been left to someone else to look after while you jet off again!”
Laura later clarified to fans that she had only been away for four days and kept in constant contact with Bonnie via video calls. The backlash comes after Laura spoke about challenges she has faced as a single parent earlier this year.
The former air hostess revealed she had turned down work opportunities due to childcare challenges and criticised her ex Gary Lucy, 43, for not providing co-parenting or financial support.
In a heartfelt social media post, Laura shared: “2024 wasn’t easy. I became a single parent which I never thought would be my life. Bonnie and I ran off to Dubai which I always do when I’m sad. I had an epiphany and made a conscious decision not to be a victim because I knew I had to create an incredible life for my incredible daughter.”
Despite the challenges, Laura said she was determined to stay positive, adding: “I struggle everyday like most to find the perfect balance in life… All we really need is love.”
Laura welcomed Bonnie in September 2023 after her split from Gary Lucy. While the couple briefly reunited, they separated again shortly after.
The reality star also recently opened up about the difficulty of managing her dog Buddy’s behaviour around her daughter. “He actually bit Bonnie twice and it was just really difficult in the flat,” she explained. “But I think now I’ve got more space and she’s older…”
Now that she is moving into a new home, Laura is hopeful that her dog and child will be able to get along. She added: “Peace, over and out to flat life and onwards and upwards in a lovely big house.”
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