Sonny Bill Williams breaks his silence over his controversial photo

Sonny Bill Williams has taken to social media to fire back at fans after copping criticism earlier this week.

Williams was slammed by fans after posting a snap of his wife Alana and their eldest daughter Imaan cruising around Rarotonga in a roofless convertible car.

The photo looks relatively innocent until people noticed his toddler daughter isn't strapped into a car seat, causing schools of people to comment disapprovingly.

After receiving a barrage of critical comments, Williams posted a photo of him and his daughter Imaan - who this time was safely strapped into a car seat - with the caption: "We're home safe & sound. Thanks for all your concerns."

Fans commented on his initial Instagram post saying: "Don't wanna be a total mum but seriously - car seat dude!"'

Another wrote: "Family comes first but no car seats - come on sonny u should know better."

And another: "Where is the carseat...she's not big enough for a seatbelt either..bcos she's small that seatbelt can cause spinal injuries...can't buy back time mate."

Among those who came to Williams' defence was All Black teammate Lima Sopoaga who posted a photo to Twitter to argue that Williams' indiscretion is not a big deal in Rarotonga.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.