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Influencer, 35, dating 20-year-old stepson slammed for throwback photo

An influencer has copped heavy backlash for a throwback photo after controversially starting a relationship with her 20-year-old stepson.

Marina Balmasheva, from Russia, shared a photo of herself with her stepson 13 years ago - when he was just seven - hoping to win support for their relationship.

Marina Balmasheva, from Russia
Marina Balmasheva, from Russia, is dating her stepson. Photo: CEN/australscope

But instead of persuading people to get behind the couple, the before-and-after photo caused a social media storm, with her many of her 420,000 followers even wondering if it was all a ‘prank’.

The 35-year-old woman lived with her ex-husband Alexey, 45, for over 10 years before the relationship ended in divorce. Now the new man in her life is her ex-husband’s 20-year-old son Vladimir.

“You never know how life will turn out and when you will meet a person who makes you smile,” Marina captioned the snap.

“I know that some will judge us, others will support us, but we are happy and wish you to be as well.”

Marina Balmasheva boyfriend stepson
She shared this throwback photo of her boyfriend when he was 7. Photo: CEN/australscope

Marina said she is very much in love with Vladimir and the couple is helping to raise three of his five siblings, according to local reports.

She adopted her ex-husband’s five children when they were together, but the youngest one, who has Down syndrome, continues to live with the father.

She revealed that she wants to have children with Vladimir and that they are currently planning their wedding.

Marina Balmasheva age gap
The couple are planning to get married. Photo: CEN/australscope

Many people said it was immoral to start a relationship with the child that she had helped to raise, and also made other negative comments.

“What shocks me most is that this boy grew up before her very eyes,” one person commented.

“This is a prank right? You are teasing?” another asked.

Others made crude comments about her ditching an older man for a younger model.

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