Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith are reportedly being investigated by child protective services after a picture of their 13-year-old daughter, Willow Smith, in bed with a 20-year-old actor surfaced on the Internet.
According to Radar Online, the couple is being investigated by the Los Angeles Department of Children & Family Services because of the controversial photo.
"The investigation was formally opened last week and is being taken very seriously by the department," a source told Radar. "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."
"Social workers will also be talking separately with Willow, and they also want to talk to the young man in the picture as well," the source added. "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."
Earlier this month, a photo surfaced of the young "Whip My Hair" singer lying (fully clothed) on a bed with shirtless actor Moises Arias sitting behind her. Arias is best known for his role as Rico on Disney's "Hannah Montana." The picture was quickly labeled as inappropriate by fans.
Neil Zanville, from the Office of Public Affairs at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, wouldn't confirm to Page Six whether Will and Jada were being investigated but did say that all calls made through their child protective hotline are reviewed.
"Someone typically calls our child protection hotline," he explained to Page Six. "Anyone can call in. it can be a mandated reporter or a neighbor, or someone who has thoughts on the subject. At that point our agency will immediately investigate if appropriate, take all necessary precautions to safeguard the well-being of the child."
Jada responded to the photo, telling a TMZ photographer that she saw nothing wrong with the picture.
"Here's the deal: there was nothing sexual about that picture or that situation," the actress said. "You guys are projecting your trash onto it, and you're acting like covert pedophiles, and that's not cool."
