A Disney star issued an apology after facing criticism for touching a protected sea turtle, sparking debate on wildlife conservation.
A Disney star has found herself in hot water after sharing a video of herself touching a sea turtle while on vacation in Hawaii.
China Anne McClain, known for her role in “Descendants 3,” faced a wave of criticism online for her actions.
Disney star shared a video showing her touching a turtle.
McClain posted a video on Instagram showing her approaching a resting turtle on the beach in Paia, Maui.
She described the turtle as a “gem” and expressed her excitement about the beautiful location.
However, her actions quickly drew negative attention. In Hawaii, it is illegal to touch sea turtles, and people are advised to stay at least 150 feet away from them.
The Descendants 3 actress had captioned the post: “Just found this turtle gem @mynameissisi captured on our Hawaii trip.
“Found so many other pics from this beautiful, healing place that I might share. Don’t be shocked if I pack up & move to Maui one of these days!”
Touching turtles in Hawaii can result in hefty legal fines.
Hawaii has strict laws to protect its marine life. Touching a sea turtle can result in serious consequences, including hefty fines that can reach up to $25,000.
The video was viewed nearly half a million times before it was deleted, but not before many people expressed their disapproval in the comments.
Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green, responded to McClain’s video publicly. He urged her to learn about the laws that protect marine life in Hawaii.
“Aloha China, I urge you to educate yourself on Hawaii’s laws and the importance of protecting our marine life before visiting our islands.”
He added: “Please delete this video and do better.”
Organizations like NOAA and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources have established guidelines for interacting with wildlife.
These guidelines recommend keeping a distance of at least 10 feet from sea turtles and avoiding any physical contact.
The goal is to protect the animals and their natural behaviors.
Disney star issues an apology after fierce backlash for touching sea turtle in Hawaii
After facing backlash, McClain and her sister, Sierra, issued an apology.
They stated that they were not fully aware of the laws regarding sea turtles at the time of the incident.
McClain expressed her love for the turtles and the people of Hawaii, saying they never intended to disrespect the culture or the wildlife.
“I was not fully aware of the situation until today, and I certainly wasn’t aware of the laws.
“It’s the people I don’t want to hurt. I understand respecting culture, and I understand the pain that comes with not having your culture respected.
“Those are never lines that we cross intentionally, so that part of this situation is hurting us right now.
“I adore these beautiful turtles and the people of Hawaii. We’re very sorry.”
Despite their apology, fans continued to criticize McClain on her social media platforms.
Many pointed out that the rules about touching wildlife are well-known, even to those who are not from Hawaii.
Some users shared their own experiences of observing turtles from a safe distance, highlighting the importance of respecting local laws.
The impact of celebrity actions
This incident raises important questions about the responsibilities of celebrities.
Public figures have a significant influence on their followers.
When they engage in actions that violate local laws or ethical guidelines, it can send the wrong message to fans.
McClain’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness and education regarding wildlife protection.
In light of the incident, McClain has a chance to educate herself and her audience about the importance of protecting wildlife.
As a public figure, she can use her platform to raise awareness about marine conservation and the laws that protect these animals.
Engaging with her followers about these issues could help turn a negative experience into a positive learning opportunity.