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. 5 Social media users heavily criticized Disney star China Anne McClain for touching a sleeping turtle. Hawaii News Now / YouTube
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. Dont 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 Hawaiis 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. 5 McClain claimed the controversial video she posted on Instagram was filmed years ago. Hawaii News Now / YouTube
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. 5 McClain issued an apology after she sparked outrage. Instagram / @chinamcclain 5 McClain is known for her role in Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm,” “Hannah Montana” and “Wizards of Waverly Place.” DISNEY CHANNEL
I was not fully aware of the situation until today, and I certainly wasnt aware of the laws, McClain told DLNR.
Its the people I dont 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. Were very sorry.
McClain has since deleted the video, however that didn’t stop the backlash on social media. 5 China Anne Mcclain plays Uma in Disney Channel’s “Descendants 3.” Disney Channel via Getty Images
Give her a fine just like they would any other person, a social media user commented. She shouldnt get any special treatment.
Some people just dont have the common sense to not touch wildlife no matter where on earth they are, another wrote.