It is quite understandable honestly. Shota is pretty much pedophilic content. Especially in a game like this which doesn't rely on an art style so no excuse there. The discussion stemmed from the fact that if the genders were reversed, people would be much more outraged. So for most people, this is pretty awkward/wrong.
As I've stated before though, if it is done for the sake of the narrative, for bringing a darker tone to the story I'm fine with it, even though I am not a fan at all of the sexual aspects. But others understandably are not that comfortable with it.