Mother who duct taped two toddler’s mouths shut and then posted the image to Facebook with the caption “for sale” defends her actions  – “at least anyone wasn’t harmed but at the end of the day I have learned my lesson.”

*Contains disturbing image

The photo, posted by a mother from Memphis in the US on Facebook on Friday had the status update “Kids for sale, 45 per cent because they bad.”

In the disturbing image the toddlers can be seen sitting in a car, with grey duct tape tied around their hands across their mouths. The oldest of the little children appears to have tears in her eyes.

Memphis Police Department in Tennessee were then informed of the photo and have said they are investigating the image.

The Sun reports a cousin of Facebook user Jaton Jaibabi who posted the image said it was intended as simply a joke. The image has since been removed.

Derion King wrote: “Basically a joke at the moment that people just went overboard about. People make mistakes and that’s what this situation is, a lesson learned. They are safe, unharmed, and loved. That’s all it is to it.”

He said “Our family and friends know the love we have for all the kids in our family.”

“They [the children] are safe, unharmed, and loved that’s all it is to it.”

But Facebook users who commented on the image said is was “offensive” and “wrong”.

“I could not breathe” wrote one ”It took my breath away, caused extreme emotional distress. These are children. These are human beings.”

Jaton has also posted on Facebook – “This is the best joke ever, I guess I’m not supposed to think otherwise, but yet people want to keep saying it’s not about colour, but I have yet seen any of these be taking in the minor that I am dealing with. Up until this one incident I have never blamed anything on colour, but this was just an eye opener. Yes I did make a mistake but I was having fun like the parents that took these pictures the minute I saw it was taken negative I deleted the picture but I still get criticised at least anyone wasn’t harmed but at the end of the day I have learned my lesson.”

A stupid joke gone waaaay too far!

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Image via Facebook