The influencer underworld and their exploitation of animals.

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As expected, there has been huge backlash, with many people questioning how an event like this can even exist in the 21st century and the questionable ethical choices made by those in attendance.

Image: @Instagram.

This comes only weeks after influencer Emma Claiir came under fire for laughing about killing two of her cats as a child. Like WTAF? 

The influencer spoke on her podcast about an instance where she swung her cat so vigorously it resulted in the animal's death. She went on, seemingly unphased, sharing the story of another time she killed her best friend's cat. 

But influencers aren't the only ones engaging in questionable treatment of animals – there's also a string of high-profile celebs that also have a fondness for owning exotic animals and taking press photos with their 'pets'. 

Paris and her kinkajou Image: Getty.

Because we don't have all day, I'll just name a few. 

Mike Tyson is known for having a tiger farm, Paris and her kinkajou – heck even Leonardo DiCaprio has an African tortoise at his residence.

Oh, and how could we ever forget the time Justin Bieber tried to smuggle a capuchin monkey he named OG Mally out of Germany?

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Controversial YouTube personality, influencer, and professional wrestler, Logan Paul, has also come under fire throughout his career for his cavalier treatment of animals. Earlier this year, Paul came under fire after a US animal sanctuary posted about rescuing a pig, Pearl, who initially belonged to Paul and was found "abandoned" in a field. 

The sanctuary did not name Paul, instead saying that Pearl was purchased "by an influencer" who originally believed that she was a 'teacup pig' and was bought for "clout online", believing that she would stay small. 

It's situations like these that make us question what's actually going on behind closed doors – if this is what makes it to the final cut, and ends up on socials, what exactly is happening behind the scenes?

Unfortunately, at the Two Wrongs event, too many influencers failed to question the welfare of the animals being passed around before posting photos. Instead, the animals were used as an attempted marketing tool to appear 'cool' and strengthen the brand of the nightclub and the influencers. 

This is not the first time that animals have been exploited for image – nor is it likely the last – and the reality of this is quite concerning. 

Considering the, well, influential power of influencers and celebrities, it's important that we set the bar of expectations for these figures higher than for other people, particularly around ethical considerations like the treatment of animals – because unfortunately, what influencers say and do can often set a benchmark of what's acceptable behaviour for others.

And at the very bottom of this all is an important question we need to ask ourselves: Just how far will we go at the cost of others for our own personal gain or entertainment?

Anyone with information about this incident or cases of wildlife crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.