It's been a wild weekend in the influencer world.
Authorities are currently investigating a Melbourne influencer event hosted by Two Wrongs nightclub, where attendees posed for photos, using exotic animals as props and posting to their socials.
A number of exotic snakes and baby crocodiles were passed around, in what looked like a game of hot potato, while the nightclub served drinks and played loud music. A Victorian RSPCA representative issued a statement saying the nightclub environment would have been “highly distressing” for all the animals involved.
Watch Charlotte Crosby defend influencers. Story continues after video.
I mean, considering nightclubs are stressful enough for humans, it should go without saying that it's definitely not the place for exotic animals.
The bizarre event saw the attendance of influencers and models, such as Morgan Waterhouse, Mick Maio and singer JXN, snapping pics with the so-called 'props'.
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.
It's safe to say the whole situation has been nothing short of a PR nightmare and has raised some seriously important questions about animal welfare and influencer ethics. Those in attendance swiftly removed any trace of their involvement given the public outburst.
Morgan Waterhouse, now dating Olivia Molly Rogers, is one of the few that has reflected on the situation, posting an apology to his Instagram story.
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.
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.
Image: Instagram/Mamamia/Getty.
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