Disney actress China Anne McClain reportedly recently issued an apology after posting a video on social media that showed her touching a turtle in Hawaii.
The video, filmed in Paia, Maui, attracted significant attention and criticism, prompting concerns about potential legal violations regarding the protection of marine life.
Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) highlighted that touching turtles could be considered harmful behavior under federal and state laws meant to protect endangered species.
McClain’s video caught the eye of Hawaii’s Governor, who urged her to educate herself on local wildlife laws and the importance of marine conservation.
In response to the backlash, McClain quickly removed the video and expressed regret for her actions, stating that she was unaware of the implications at the time of filming, which occurred two years ago.
Disney star China Anne McClain slammed by Hawaii governor for touching resting sea turtles during vacation https://t.co/5Bc0faH0sQ pic.twitter.com/xKEnZBec8m
— New York Post (@nypost) March 5, 2025
She emphasized her respect for Hawaiian culture and wildlife, acknowledging the pain her actions may have caused.
Her father and manager also expressed their family’s respect for Hawaii and apologized for any unintended harm.
Although some critics have called for fines against McClain, the DLNR noted that while her actions might not have explicitly broken the law, they did disregard established wildlife viewing guidelines.
Experts in wildlife conservation reiterated the importance of maintaining a safe distance from marine animals to prevent stress and potential harm.
The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in promoting wildlife protection and respecting local laws.
As McClain navigates the fallout from this situation, she has committed to learning more about environmental conservation and the protection of wildlife, aiming to raise awareness of these important issues.
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