DISNEY star China Anne McClain has issued a grovelling apology after she sparked outrage by sharing footage of herself stroking turtles in Hawaii.
The actress, known for starring in the popular movies Descendants 2 and Descendants 3, caused a stir after documenting her travels in Maui on social media.
She uploaded footage to her Instagram account that showed her touching a turtle that was resting on the sand.
“Just found this turtle gem captured on our Hawaii trip,” the caption said.
“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 clip attracted a barrage of criticism and has since been deleted.
McClain, 26, apologized and admitted she wasn’t aware of any environmental protection laws, per the CBS affiliate KGMB-TV.
“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,” she told the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
“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.”
McClain, from Georgia, said the clip was taken two years ago, but she was heavily criticized after sharing the video.
Governor Josh Green urged the actress to delete the footage.
The politician urged McClain to “educate” herself before visiting Hawaii.
McClain’s other snaps where she’s posing on rocks in rivers in Maui still remain on her Instagram page.
The posts date back to February 2023.
She described Hawaii as her “happy place.”
Who is China Anne McClain?
DISNEY star China Anne McClain caused a stir when she was seen stroking a turtle during her travels in Hawaii. But who is the Disney star?
She appeared in Disney movies and shows including:
- Descendants 2
- Descendants 3
- Descendants: The Rise of the Red
- Black Lightning
- A.N.T. Farm
- Tyler Perry’s House of Payne
State officials have urged beachgoers to keep a six to 10 feet distance when looking at sea turtles.
They warn that tourists must act responsibly and that turtles can bite if they are disrupted.
Feeding or touching turtles is illegal, according to local law.
The two most common types of sea turtles in Hawaii are the honu and the hawksbill.
Hawksbill turtles are often found in the west Atlantic, Indian, and Indo-Pacific Oceans.
Their life expectancy is over 50 years, and their diet consists of sea sponges, algae, and crustaceans, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Meanwhile, honu turtles travel large distances to nest on beaches.
Honu turtles are the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world and can weigh more than 300 pounds.
It’s the most common species of turtle in Hawaii.
Their upper shell can range from brown to yellow with brown or black streaks, while their bottom shell is yellow.
Honu turtles tend to eat algae when they reach adulthood.
