Charlize Theron and Sean Penn were accused this morning of mistreating Theron’s 2-year-old son, Jackson, by a bystander who overheard the child screaming.
They were quickly cleared of any wrongdoing, however.
The famous couple was hiking in Southern California’s Vasquez Rocks when another hiker called the police, believing that Jackson had been physically punished.
The unidentified witness reportedly attempted to film Theron and Penn’s actions, but was quickly confronted by Charlize.
Police arrived on the scene and determined that Theron and Penn were not guilty of any wrongdoing and that Jackson was merely reacting to a standard “timeout” punishment.
Theron adopted Jackson in 2012. It’s her first child, and her parenting skills have been universally praised by those in her inner circle.
Theron and Penn have been dating since June, and are rumored to be engaged.
Penn has two children from his marriage to Robin Wright. While the actor’s history of anger problems is well-documented, he has never been accused of mistreating his children.
No legal action will be taken against Penn or Theron as a result of this morning’s incident.
Neither Penn nor Theron has commented on the events that led to police being called. Both members of the Oscar-winning couple are notoriously press shy and protective of their privacy.
