Another WAG has spoken out about Nadia Bartel, saying the influencer is facing intense scrutiny over her now-viral sniffing video.
Erin Holland has weighed in on the Nadia Bartel sniffing scandal, claiming she would be “struggling” amid the intense scrutiny over the incident.
Influencer Nadia, who was previously married to AFL star Jimmy Bartel, was fined $5452 for breaching Covid rules after video emerged last week of her snorting white powder at a gathering.
Nadia has lost sponsorships and been publicly castigated over the incident but Victoria Police said she would not face criminal charges as officers had been “unable to determine what the substance on the plate was”.
Speaking to B105 Brisbane’s Stav, Abby and Matt, influencer Erin – who married cricketer Ben Cutting in February – was quizzed over whether Nadia’s controversy made her worried for herself.
Erin said that Nadia’s actions were “not something I‘ve ever engaged in personally” as she takes “my job very seriously”.
“I think when you‘re in the public eye you have a responsibility and the pressure on you to be the best version of yourself because people will see it and will share it,” she said.
“She made a mistake and it was caught and shared, and she’s reaping the consequences which anyone would do, it’s an illegal action.”
Erin admitted she did have sympathy for Nadia given how intense the scrutiny around her behaviour had been.
“I feel for her because there’s a lot of pile-on at the moment and she’d be struggling with that scrutiny,” the SAS Australia star said.
“But at the end of the day that’s what happens when you break the law and happen to have gone viral this time.
“So she’s not the first and unfortunately she won’t be the last I’m sure to experience this sort of thing.”
But the former Miss World Australia accepted that the scrutiny was “part and parcel” of being “lucky” enough to work in the media industry.
“This is one of the pitfalls of it I suppose,” Erin said. “People are trying to catch you out.”
NRL WAG ‘saddened’ by Nadia video
Erin isn’t the only public figure to speak out on the video, with model Tahlia Giumelli also condemning her actions.
In an Instagram question and answer session Tahlia, 29, who is engaged to NRL star Tom Burgess, answered a question asking for her “thoughts on what Nadia Bartel did”.
While Tahlia said it was “hard to answer” as she doesn’t “want to publicly bash someone” she condemned Nadia’s decision to break lockdown rules.
“I personally don’t care what recreational activities people get up to but I feel saddened that people think it’s okay to break public health orders at this time,” she said.
After the video made headlines, Nadia issued a statement via Instagram apologising for her actions.
“Hi Everyone, I have let you all down by my actions,” she wrote.
“I take full responsibility and I am committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure I make better choices in future.
“To my family and friends, my business partners and the public health workers trying to keep us all safe, I am embarrassed and remorseful.
“I am truly and deeply sorry. I hope I can earn your forgiveness and, in time, your trust. Nadia.”