UPDATE: TikTok is in an uproar following Australian content creator Chloe Baradinsky’s trip to Afghanistan, where she documented her experiences in a country under strict Taliban rule. The backlash intensified this week as podcasts Big Small Talk and Just The Gist raised questions about the ethics of her travels, claiming she might have been funded by the Taliban.
Chloe, widely known for her candid TikTok videos, shared her self-funded journey starting in August 2023. While some followers praised her for offering an honest perspective of Afghanistan, others condemned her for promoting a regime that imposes severe restrictions on women’s rights. The controversy escalated when the podcasts speculated whether her trip was sponsored, prompting Chloe to vehemently deny these allegations.
In her TikTok response, Chloe expressed her surprise at the backlash, stating, “It would have taken all of about two seconds for them to email me or DM me, asking whether my trip to Afghanistan was sponsored or gifted. I would have said, ‘Are you out of your fucking mind? No.’” She emphasized her belief in understanding the people of Afghanistan, insisting, “The people are not their government… Why punish them because of their fucking government?”
The Big Small Talk hosts, Hannah Ferguson and Sarah-Jane Adams, aired their concerns regarding influencers showcasing tourism in Afghanistan in an episode released on August 26, 2023. They described this trend as potentially legitimizing the Taliban’s image. “While influencers are posting and roaming freely, that’s tough when the same privileges aren’t being granted to the women of that country,” Sarah-Jane remarked.
In a follow-up episode on September 3, 2023, the hosts acknowledged feedback from Chloe and listeners, clarifying their stance. They insisted their critiques were not bullying but a necessary discussion on influencer responsibility. However, they faced backlash for not reaching out to Chloe before making their claims.
Chloe responded by calling their comments “cruel” and “biased,” arguing that their assumptions lacked substantiation and misrepresented her intentions. She stated, “I don’t want to talk about money I’ve donated to local groups on a public platform,” highlighting the complexities of her trip.
Meanwhile, Just The Gist host Rosie Waterland also weighed in, critiquing Chloe’s trip without naming her in a now-deleted episode. Rosie referred to influencers as having “cooked brains” and suggested that their desire for attention was despicable. Chloe retaliated with a video accusing Rosie of bullying, stating that her comments were malicious and harmful.
Rosie later issued a statement addressing the backlash, denying her comments were directed at Chloe and asserting that discussions about influencer ethics are necessary. “People are going to have conversations about the ethics of that,” she stated, emphasizing the need to critique tourism in conflict zones.
This rapidly evolving situation has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many weighing in on the responsibilities of content creators. As the controversy continues to unfold, it raises significant questions about ethical travel and the portrayal of war-torn countries in the influencer age.
With the situation still developing, all eyes are on Chloe Baradinsky and the reactions from the podcast hosts. Will this discourse lead to a deeper understanding of tourism ethics in sensitive regions? Stay tuned for updates on this contentious issue.
