In response to the interview, Carson defended herself against critics on Facebook.

“Sadly, some people have chosen to ridicule me (oh no! Pink hair! Must be a lesbian!) and the notion of giving infants bodily autonomy (poo in nappies har har amiright?!) [sic],” she expressed.

Carson cited statistics highlighting the prevalence of sexual abuse among children, asserting that the work of her organization adheres to international best practices in abuse prevention.

“It teaches children their rights AND their responsibilities and connects them with people who care and can help. It invites their parents into the discussion and is sensitive to cultural and family values,” she added.

Katie Russell, a spokesperson for the non-profit sexual violence organization Rape Crisis England and Wales, told Newsweek that Carson’s overall message had been misinterpreted. Russell clarified that Carson was not implying that changing a diaper is a sexual act or that a baby can communicate consent.

“She’s simply making the very reasonable case for establishing a ‘culture of consent’ in households and with children from the youngest possible age,” she said. “This is about both getting parents and carers into positive habits of not assuming consent from their children and about teaching children that they have a right to decide what happens to their bodies.”

Russell concluded, “When we know child sexual abuse is so widespread, it’s hard to understand why simple, respectful practices like this, aimed at reducing and preventing future harm to children, would be so ridiculed.”