They say it’s all fun and games getting involved in viral pranks. Well, unless you're in the middle of a global pandemic that is.
Two influencers have found themselves in hot water on the Indonesian island of Bali, after they allegedly flouted coronavirus restriction as part of a viral social media challenge.
YouTuber Josh Paler Lin and Instagrammer Leia Se are reported to have attempted to enter a local supermarket, only to be turned away for not wearing a mask.
When Leia, who is known as Lisha on social media, returned, she is said to have had painted a blue surgical mask on her face, and was allowed to enter.
The pair allegedly uploaded a video titled Facebook Exclusive Pranks, showing Leia walking around the supermarket, without a mask, on social media.
Although the video now appears to have been deleted from both Josh and Leia's social media platforms, Coconuts Bali reports that the footage has since been shared on various different websites, prompting the pair to receive huge backlash.
Josh and Leia have since released a video, alongside their legal representative, apologising for the video and claiming they meant no disrespect.
“The intention to make this video was not at all to disrespect or to invite everyone to not wear mask. I made this video to entertain people because I am a content creator and it is my job to entertain people,” Josh said, according to the English subtitling which accompanies the video.
“However, I did not realise that what I did could actually bring a lot of negative comment from the netizen and that it raise a lot of concerns.”
He added: “Once again we want to apologise for what we did and we promise not to do it again. I would like to invite everyone in Indonesia and Bali to always wear mask for our own safety and health. So we can help Bali to gain its tourism again.”
