Who is Ashy Bines? Glam influencer faces backlash for linking Bondi terror attack to paid wellbeing podcast (Image via Getty)
Australian influencer Ashy Bines, 37, is under fire after a social media post linked the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack to promotion of her paid wellbeing program. The attack shocked the nation and left families grieving after 15 people were killed and 40 others were sent to hospital during a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach on December 14.Soon after the attack, Bines shared a post on Instagram talking about how hard the day felt for Australians. She wrote, “I feel everyone in Australia is waking up feeling sick just thinking about everyone impacted by Bondi. May we support one another and never forget the power of kindness in times like these.”However, the post also directed her one million followers to sign up for her Rise Inside podcast and wellbeing program, which costs $50 a month, if they were feeling “wobbly.” This is where the backlash began.Ashy Bines added another message saying, “If I’m ever feeling anxious feelings and wanting to feel more calm, it’s nice to know in less than five minutes that can all change with stopping, breath, connection.” She then promoted four short calming meditations from her paid program.
Why Ashy Bines’ Bondi post made followers angry
Many followers felt the influencer crossed a line by promoting a paid service while talking about a national tragedy. The comments section quickly filled with anger. One person wrote, “Does anyone else find it really bad taste and just gross that Ashy Bines is using the awful terrorist attack in Bondi to advertise her Rise Inside subscription?”Another added, “Any influencer using this tragedy to pivot or push a business or product should go straight in the bin. Absolutely foul.” Others said using the word “wobbly” to describe the feelings of victims and families was upsetting.After the strong backlash, the post was deleted. Bines has not made a public statement responding to the criticism.The Bondi Beach terror attack was described as Australia’s worst mass shooting in three decades. It targeted Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah. Among the victims was 10-year-old Matilda, remembered by her teacher as “bright, joyful, and spirited.” Her parents spoke for the first time at a candlelight vigil, calling her “the most kindest person, child ever.”Rabbi Eli Schlanger lost his cousin in the attack. His cousin was described as “vivacious, optimistic and full of energy and life.” Hundreds gathered to mourn the victims, including at Matilda’s funeral on December 18.As the country continues to grieve, many online say this moment called for silence and respect, not promotion. Also Read: Who is influencer Ash Trevino? Texas police arrest explained after felony warrants surface
