CHICAGO – A heartfelt, unscripted exchange between Tim Walz and his 17-year-old son, Gus, has sparked widespread admiration but also a wave of cruel online harassment.

Gus Walz, who experiences a nonverbal learning disorder along with anxiety and ADHD, was visibly emotional from the front row of Chicago’s United Center. He was in tears Wednesday night as his father, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, gave his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention.

During his speech, Minnesota’s governor shared the challenges he and his wife, Gwen, faced during fertility treatments for their daughter, Hope.

Walz went on to express how much he loves his family, stating, “Hope, Gus, and Gwen, you are my everything. I love you.”

Gus leapt up, tears streaming, and exclaimed, “I love you, Dad.”

This touching interaction between father and son captured live on camera quickly became a viral sensation, receiving much love from viewers across platforms.

Fox News shared the moment on its TikTok account, calling it “Gus Walz steals the show during dad’s acceptance speech.” The comments were mostly encouraging.

“I strive to inspire my kids as much as Gus Walz was inspired by his father’s words,” commented Chasten Buttigieg, spouse of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, on X.

“@Tim_Walz has committed his life to service and has excelled at being a supportive and nurturing father,” he added. “We should all experience a love like that.”

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., praised the bond between Walz and his kids.

“You know you are a good parent when your children are as proud of you as Gus and Hope are of Tim Walz,” she shared on X. “’That’s my dad.’ No phrase sums up our next Vice President better.”

Actress Mia Farrow wrote: “When young Gus Walz, adorable son of Gwen and Tim Walz, tearfully exclaimed ‘That’s my dad,’ he truly captured my heart.”

Critics Brand Gus Walz as a ‘puffy beta male’

However, this display of affection also drew a slew of taunts and harsh comments from online trolls, many of whom support former President Donald Trump, who is set to face Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Walz in the upcoming election.

Conservative columnist and right-wing personality Ann Coulter ridiculed the teen’s display of emotions. “That’s just bizarre,” she commented on X. Her post has since been removed.

Mike Crispi, a Trump supporter and podcaster from New Jersey, disparaged Walz’s son on X by labeling him a “stupid crying son” and added, “You raised your kid to be a puffy beta male. Congrats.”

Alec Lace, a Trump supporter and host of a fatherhood podcast, took a jab at the young man by saying, “Get that kid a tampon already,” in an apparent reference to a Minnesota state law signed by Walz that mandates schools provide free menstrual supplies to students.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Jay Weber, a conservative radio host in Milwaukee, posted a now-deleted comment on X that criticized the Walz family.

“If the Walzs (sic) represent the modern American man, this country is doomed: ‘Meet my son, Gus. He’s a blubbering coddled boy. His mother and I are very proud,'” he wrote.

Weber later removed his post and apologized, stating he wasn’t aware of Gus’ learning challenges.

YSL News reached out to the Walz campaign for comment, but they chose not to respond.

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, released a statement to YSL News asserting that the campaign’s priority is to hold Walz and Harris accountable for their “extremely liberal policies that harm America.” His statement did not address the bullying incidents.

Advocates Highlight Ongoing Bullying Faced by Kids

It has outraged advocates for children with learning disabilities to see the vitriol aimed at the Walz family.

“The bullying Gus Walz is facing online isn’t just unkind – it is a stark reminder of the bullying children with disabilities endure day in and day out,” stated Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, a nonprofit organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

According to Neas, children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to experience bullying than their peers.

“This indicates that our society is sending a message to many kids with disabilities that they are inferior because of circumstances they cannot control, such as expressing emotions and their disabilities,” she explained. “Even more concerning is that bullying can directly affect their academic performance, leading to fewer opportunities later in life. We are letting these children down by not recognizing or valuing their experiences.”

Kristen Eccleston, a former special education teacher and advocate for children with social-emotional needs, stated that research indicates bullying often arises from various factors, including a need for social dominance, a lack of empathy, or exposing children to aggressive behaviors in the home.

“Kids with learning disabilities are particularly at risk because bullies might view them as ‘easy targets’ due to their difficulties with communication and social interactions,” said Eccleston, who is affiliated with the Weinfeld Education Group in Bethesda, Maryland. This organization aids parents in securing necessary supports and services for their children.

“It’s heartbreaking for parents to see their children endure such unkindness,” Eccleston remarked. “In instances like Gus’s, where a child is facing bullying, it’s vital to envelop them in love, affirm their feelings, and remind them that the hurtful views of others do not define their value. Families should leverage these public moments to encourage open conversations about emotions, aiming to help their child build solid self-advocacy skills and a positive self-image.”

Brianne Pfannenstiel from the Des Moines Register contributed to this article.