Baby with two gay dads cries for 'mama' after being told to choose between 'dada and papa'

Bev Turner
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:48:59 +0000

A furious debate has erupted online over whether it is appropriate for same-sex couples to have a child after a video was shared on social media showing a tot calling out "mama" in front of its two dads.

In the video, posted by Grammy-award-winning country singer Shane McAnally, the baby boy is asked whether he prefers "dada" or "papa" before appearing to become distressed and mouthing, "mama."

The footage, which has been viewed more than 500,000 times on Mr McAnally's Instagram feed, also captures the moment the men respond by stating “there is no mama,” before the baby begins crying.

The video is clearly designed to be funny with the hashtags "comedy" and "standup".

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But the clip quickly attracted significant attention online, generating a wave of responses across social media platforms.

Some users criticised the video, arguing the baby’s reaction was being treated insensitively.

Many people said the video was evidence of the inherent cruelty of two-dad families.

Comments beneath the clip included: "You are not dad. You are someone who bought a baby."

Mr McAnally is considered one of the most influential modern country songwriters due to his part in helping shape the sound of 2010s country music and has written or co-written more than 50 No1 country songs.

He's won 4 Grammys and is distinctive in the traditionally conservative world of country music for being openly gay and co-parenting with another man.

Fans of Mr McAnally and pro-gay marriage campaigners have argued the clip should be interpreted within the context of humour and the warm family life depicted.

Commentary from public figures and online commentators further amplified the discussion, with some expressing strong disapproval and others pushing back against what they saw as over-interpretation of a staged or comedic video.

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Critics suggest the clips raise questions about whether it is selfish to deprive a child of a mum.

McAnally has previously shared lots of warm-hearted content featuring his partner and two older children - a son and a daughter - on social media.

Many of the posts are designed to be entertaining about the unusual nature of having a two-father family.