Sam Jones, a self-proclaimed "outdoor enthusiast and hunter," apologized following public outrage for her actions in a viral video where she took a baby wombat away from its distressed mother. The incident drew thousands of death threats and prompted responses from Australian officials, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Jones defended her actions as a misguided effort to protect the animal, while also criticizing Australia's culling laws.
Influencer's Controversial Wombat Rescue Sparks Outrage and Death Threats
Influencer's Controversial Wombat Rescue Sparks Outrage and Death Threats
A US influencer faces severe backlash after a video of her taking a baby wombat from its mother in Australia went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and threats against her.
A US influencer is in hot water after a video surfaced showing her taking a wild baby wombat from its distressed mother in Australia. The incident involved Sam Jones, who refers to herself as an "outdoor enthusiast and hunter," and it has provoked overwhelming backlash online, resulting in thousands of death threats directed at her.
The footage depicted Jones retrieving the joey from the side of the road amidst laughter, while its mother attempted to follow her. This triggered a wave of outrage, prompting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to challenge her by suggesting she try a similar act with a crocodile.
In a lengthy online apology posted to her Instagram account, Jones attempted to clarify her intentions, claiming she only wanted to keep the animals safe from potential road danger. She asserts that the mother wombat had left the road on its own, while the baby remained in peril, prompting her to scoop it up out of fear of being attacked.
Highlighting her emotional state during the incident, she insisted that her actions were misguided and not meant to harm or steal the joey. In her statement, Jones criticized Australia's culling laws regarding wombats, kangaroos, and other native animals, arguing that they contribute to significant controversy across the nation.
The public outcry was so intense that Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke mentioned that authorities might consider revoking her visa. However, it has been reported that Jones left Australia voluntarily following the public backlash. With nearly 95,000 followers on social media, she has since deleted the controversial post involving the wombat, further escalating discussions around wildlife ethics and influencer responsibilities.
