A Disney star with over seven million Instagram followers sparked outrage after she was spotted “gently” touching a resting sea turtle during her tropical Hawaiian getaway.
Actress China Anne McClain, known for her roles in several Disney shows including “A.N.T. Farm” series, was seen walking on a beach in the north side of Maui, Hawaii, before going up to sleeping turtles and gently petting of of them in a video shared online.
At least six turtles were sleeping on the sand, according to the clip.
“Just found this turtle gem @mynameissisi captured on our Hawaii trip,” McClain captioned her now-deleted Instagram video. “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!”
The video has since amassed more than half a million views and thousands of comments, with many calling for McClain to be held accountable for her cultural insensitivity.
It wasn’t long before Hawaii Governor Josh Green joined in on the discourse.
“Aloha China, I urge you to educate yourself on Hawaii’s laws and the importance of protecting our marine life before visiting our islands,” Green wrote in her comment section. “Please delete this video and do better.”
Wildlife viewing guidelines set by NOAA, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) encourage people to be “at least 10 feet away” from sea turtles and “avoid touching” them.
According to DLNR, touching turtles is “not necessarily breaking the law” unless law enforcement agencies determine that a person acted to harm a turtle or alter its behavior.
McClain, 26, and her sister Sierra have since apologized over the ordeal, insisting that it took place two years ago, according to the DLNR.
“I was not fully aware of the situation until today, and I certainly wasn’t aware of the laws,” McClain told DLNR.
“It’s the people I don’t want to hurt,” McClain continued. “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.”
McClain has since deleted the video, however that didn’t stop the backlash on social media.
“Give her a fine just like they would any other person,” a social media user commented. “She shouldn’t get any special treatment.”
“Some people just don’t have the common sense to not touch wildlife no matter where on earth they are,” another wrote.
