Dwyane Wade has taken to social media to blast trolls for mocking 12-year-old son after a family photo showed him with fake nails and a crop top.

Hateful comments directed at the Wade family began after Gabrielle Union shared a holiday photo to Instagram on Thanksgiving.

Accompanied with a caption thanking loved ones for their support, the photo showed Wade and Union posing with 12-year-old Zion Malachi Airamis Wade and baby Kaavia James Union Wade.

Trolls soon began to target Zion for what he was wearing in the sweet family snap.

Gabrielle Union (right) shared a Thanksgiving family photo with Dwyane Wade (left), Zion Wade (middle) and Kaavia Wade (far left)

Wade responded to the hateful comments on Twitter, explaining that he will continue to support his son 'with pride, love & a smile'

Later that afternoon, Wade responded to the criticism on his Twitter account.

Wade wrote: 'I’ve seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo. Stupidity is apart of this world we live in—so i get it.

'But here’s the thing—I’ve been chosen to lead my family not y’all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love & a smile!'

Wade's acknowledgment of the social media situation has garnered him support from several users, many of whom praised him for his parenting skills and acceptance.

One user wrote: 'Idk if @DwyaneWade & @itsgabrielleu know how POWERFUL & MOVING it is that they’re embracing their son’s individuality. (Damnit I’m crying) In our community, being given autonomy over your body, beliefs, image, & statements as a child isn’t a thing. That child is free & happy'

Another praised Wade's role as a father to Zion, saying other families could learn from his example.

'Shout out D. Wade for setting the example of a Black father loving and accepting their children as they are. There’d be a lot less trauma in our community if more Black dads were like this,' they wrote.

Wade responded to one user, saying: 'As a parent my only goal is that my kids feel that i see them, love them and support them'

Some social media users praised Wade's acceptance and suggested his parenting style should be an example for other families

Wade doubled down on his stance, replying to one fan: 'As a parent my only goal is that my kids feel that i see them, love them and support them.'

In addition to Zion and Kaavia, Wade also has a 17-year-old son named Zaire and a six-year-old son named Xavier from two separate, previous relationships.

After Wade and Union married in 2014, Union became the three boys step-mother and later gave birth to baby Kavia in November 2018.

Others, however, have chosen to leave mean-spirited comments under the Thanksgiving family photo and in tweets.

One person wrote: 'Damn I used to like Dwade man too busy balling couldn't raise his son properly.'

Others shared similar sentiments, going so far to say Wade and Union have failed as parents.

'This is not cool at all! Dwade & Gabrielle irritate my soul,' one woman said.

One person said: 'The Older generation continues to fail us. Even with two parents the children are still led astray'

They continued: 'You’re son has nails at the age that most girls don’t even get their nails done. You both failed as parents this is a damn shame.'

Some people choose to leave mean comments on Instagram and Twitter, targeting Zion and the Wade family

This user said on Instagram: 'This is not cool at all! Dwade & Gabrielle irritate my soul'

This user attacked Wade and Union's parenting style, saying they 'failed as parents'

One woman said that it was too soon to put acrylic nails on children, regardless of gender.

She said: 'I wouldn’t let my 11 y/o DAUGHTER wear acrylic nails & a belly shirt, let alone my son. This is too much, too soon. He’s just a child & can be fierce when he’s older.'

Despite hateful comments, Wade and Union have publicly supported Zion on several occasions.

Earlier this year, the Wade family attended Miami Beach Pride with Zion and shared a host of photos from the weeklong celebration.

In a June interview with Variety, Wade talked about raising his children and his approach to parenting.

'I don’t really talk about it much because it’s Zion’s story to tell,' he said about Zion attending Miami Pride.

'I think as a family, we should support each other. That’s our job. And my job as a father is to facilitate their lives and to support them and be behind them in whatever they want to do.'

Pictured: Union and Zion attending Miami Beach Pride earlier this year

Several members of Zion's family and friends attended to support him at the Miami Beach Pride parade

He continued: 'I think people expect you to parent each kid the same. They are all different, and I have to get to know them and where they are.

'I have to say to most parents, get to know your kids. Don’t put your wants and needs on them.'

Wade extended his support earlier this week when he backed up his wife amid the controversy surrounding her being axed from the America's Got Talent judging panel.

The 47-year-old actress took to Instagram on Friday to share a sweet snap of husband Wade, 37, kissing her on the forehead.

She captioned it: 'Lord, you KNOW I'm tryin... whew and breathe. Support is everything. [heart emoji] @dwyanewade'

The Bring It On star also tweeted: 'So many tears, so much gratitude. THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone ... you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever.'

Union: 'Lord, you KNOW I'm tryin... whew and breathe. Support is everything. [heart emoji] @dwyanewade'

Heartfelt thanks: Gabrielle reached out to her followers to thank them for their love and support during her difficult time

The way they were: Howie Mandell, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell on the AGT panel. Gabrielle and Julianne have been axed amid rumors of a 'toxic' atmosphere on set

The posts came after it was reported last month that Gabrielle and Julianne Hough would not be returning to America's Got Talent, amid rumors that there was a 'toxic' atmosphere on set.

Gabrielle had apparently raised issues about racist jokes and comments about her physical appearance. It's not yet known what is behind the exit of Julianne, 31.

However, Julianne denied the rumors, insisting that she had a 'wonderful time' on the show.

She said: 'I had a wonderful time on America's Got Talent, I loved working with the cast, crew and producers. I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC.'

Gabrielle reached out on Twitter after her husband of five years, NBA star Dwyane Wade, took to social media to defend her.

He said: ‘Men lie, Women lie, numbers don’t. Over this past year I’ve been approached by many people saying that my wife @itsgabrielleu is the main reason they’ve started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show.

'So when i got the news that my wife was being fired my first question was obviously why!? I am still waiting on a good answer to that question.

Robust defense: The 37-year-old former pro basketball player took down the social media trolls

'But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture.'

And he also praised his wife for standing up for the values she teaches Kaavia.

'As proud as i were of her being selected as a judge on #AGT— I am even more proud of her standing up for what she stands for and that’s US.

'So to you @itsgabrielleu on not losing sight of the lessons we’ve talked about teaching our daughter and for kicking a** while you were on that platform. Number 1 judge on one of the biggest shows in the world.'

On Tuesday, Variety reported that sources had said that Gabrielle had expressed concerns over racially insensitive situations, including a joke guest judge Jay Leno allegedly made that was later edited out of the episode.

She and Julianne had also received 'excessive notes' on their physical appearance, according to the report.

A spokesperson for NBC and production company Fremantle responded to the claims with a statement on Tuesday to People, saying: 'America’s Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show.

'The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for AGT’s enduring popularity. NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously.'