Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith sparked controversy after their nonchalant response to their 13-year-old daughter Willow’s photo with 20-year-old Moises Arias surfaced on Instagram. Now, they have reportedly drawn interest from Child Protective Services over the photo.
The Los Angeles Department of Children & Family Services has opened an investigation into the famous couple, according to a report from Radar Online. A source told the site that CPS is taking the case “seriously,” adding, “Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have been extremely cooperative with officials. Of course, they aren’t happy that their parenting skills are under scrutiny, but they understand.”
The source added that officials plan to speak with Willow alone and also with Arias. “This won’t just be one or two visits with the family, and it will likely be an open investigation for at least a month, out of an abundance of caution,” the source further explained.
Aria started the controversy by posting a black and white of himself posing shirtless on a bed with Willow. While it was quickly removed from his Instagram page, it continues to circulate on the web.
Will and Jada are known for not believing in punishment and they have reportedly agreed that Willow is “very mature.”
“Here’s the deal. There was nothing sexual about that picture or that situation,” Jada told the media on May 7, Us Weekly noted. “You guys are projecting your trash onto it...You’re acting like covert pedophiles and that’s not cool.”
Arias is reportedly a close friend of the Smiths and their 15-year-old son, Jaden. The family has known him for several years. Still, the photo caused considerable controversy and it looks like it may have caused the Smiths some legal trouble as well.