Influencer Faces Criticism After Throwing Son Off Cliff for Fun

Garrett Gee, a travel influencer and former tech entrepreneur, has sparked controversy after posting a video that shows him throwing his seven-year-old son, Cali Gee, off a cliff into Lake Powell. This incident, captured in a viral video on the family’s Instagram account, @thebucketlistfamily, has garnered nearly 4 million views and has elicited a polarized response from viewers.

In the video, Gee and Cali are seen standing on a rock ledge over Lake Powell, a popular reservoir straddling the border between Arizona and Utah. The footage shows Cali appearing hesitant about jumping into the water. Before he can make a decision, his father tosses him off the ledge. In a lengthy caption accompanying the video, Gee stated, “To be extra safe, because he wanted to jump but was not feeling confident, I threw him.” He drew an analogy to a baby eagle needing to leave the nest, suggesting that his parenting approach encourages bravery and exploration.

Gee elaborated on his parenting philosophy, stating that his method varies for each child. He claimed that they took Cali to a height they deemed safe, emphasizing that hesitation could lead to greater risks. Following Cali’s jump, Gee’s older children also leaped from a higher section of the rock, showcasing a family dynamic centered around adventure.

While some viewers praised Gee for promoting confidence and adventure in his children, others expressed outrage. Critics accused the family of exploiting their children for social media content. One commenter stated, “Absolutely unacceptable, man. Not cool at all,” voicing concerns about the potential psychological impact on the child. Others suggested that the incident could lead to trauma therapy for the children involved.

Despite the backlash, some defended the family’s actions, arguing that the jump was safe given the circumstances. A local commented that the cliff was likely less than ten feet high and reiterated the importance of teaching children safety when engaging in activities like cliff jumping. “This can be such a fun activity!! But safety, safety, safety first!!” another viewer advised.

The complexities of parenting in the age of social media are evident in the Gee family’s life. Children of influencers often face the challenge of balancing their parents’ online presence with their own interests and education. Gee and his wife have openly discussed their decision to buy a house in Hawaii and enroll their children in public school, allowing for serious travel during school breaks.

As discussions continue around the appropriateness of the video, it remains clear that the incident has sparked significant debate on parental responsibility and the nature of social media content involving children.