Nadia Bartel has faced major public scrutiny after a video of the influencer snorting white powder off a plate with friends went viral earlier this month.
WATCH: Nadia Bartel caught snorting white substance
The three-second video was posted by friend and business partner Ellie Pearson, who reportedly meant to send the damning clip to her sister, Bonnie Pearson, but accidentally shared it to both Facebook and Instagram.
It’s since been revealed that the major faux-pas was a result of Ellie’s “cracked phone screen”.
In the clip, three women – including Nadia – are seen standing around a white plate as the fashion and beauty influencer snorts the substance with a rolled-up note as her friends watch on.
Despite the video being posted for just ten minutes, the reaction from social media was immediate.
While many slammed the 36-year-old mum-of-two for allegedly taking drugs, others blasted the fact that Nadia had attended a social gathering that appeared to breach Victoria’s public health order, which does not allow visitors to your home.
Others humorously pointed out that the plate carrying said white powder was, in fact, a $3.50 plate available in Kmart.
Laurina Fleure throws support behind Nadia
Reality TV star Laurina Fleure has spoken out amid Nadia’s scandal to throw her support behind her after she, too, was embroiled in a similar scandal just six months ago.
Laurina, who is most famous for her appearance on Blake Garvey’s season of The Bachelor where she termed the phrase “dirty street pie”, was also sprung snorting a mystery powder on video in March.
“My heart goes out to Nadia,” the I’m A Celebrity star told The Herald Sun on Sunday.
“I know the excruciating humiliation of having his privacy violated,” she added.
At the time Laurina’s own snorting scandal broke, she revealed that she was “humiliated” by the video.
“I feel sick. I am humiliated. I don’t know what else to say. I am really embarrassed,” she told The Herald Sun at the time.
“I always aspire to live a sober life just mainly for beauty and anti-ageing, and things like that, but there is also balance in life too,” she said.
“Sometimes I try to be absolutely as good as I can and then the scales tip the other way and I have a blowout sometimes when I go out.”
In case you’ve missed the wild developments that have occurred since the shocking video’s release, here’s a rundown.
Avoiding drug charges
While police investigated possible drug offences committed by the group, it has since been revealed that the group would not face drug charges over insufficient evidence.
Victoria Police made “inquiries into the video,” but on Thursday the Chief Commissioner, Shane Patton, told ABC radio they did not have enough evidence.
“We have been unable to determine what the substance on the plate was,” he said.
It was also discovered that the party in question took place on the same day Nadia finalised her divorce from her ex-husband, Jimmy Bartel.
Nadia takes to Instagram to apologise
Nadia posted Instagram on Friday to address the clip, saying she was “embarrassed” by her behaviour.
“Hi Everyone, I have let you all down by my actions,” she wrote in a statement posted to Instagram.
“I take full responsibility and I am committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure I make better choices in future.
“To my family and friends, my business partners and the public health workers trying to keep us all safe, I am embarrassed and remorseful.
“I am truly and deeply sorry. I hope I can earn your forgiveness and, in time, your trust. Nadia.”
However, it did little to quell the anger of social media users, with many blasting Nadia’s choice to turn off comments allowing others to engage and discuss her alleged actions on the post.
Loss of endorsement deals
The fallout from the incriminating video continued throughout the weekend, with the social media star losing a lucrative brand deal with wellness company, JSHealth Vitamins.
The owner, Jessica Sepel, took to the brand’s Instagram page, where she called for compassion while condemning “illicit behaviour”.
”Today I’ve had to make a hard decision as the founder and face of my brand, and let go of a brand endorser,” the statement began.
“I have to stand for what’s right. We are a health brand who is very serious about aligning with individuals who share the same values.”
She continued, “In saying that, I’m human and compassion is what the brand has always represented.
“I truly wish this individual strength and peace during this time and although I do not condone what happened, I am a believer that humans make mistakes and we are not a brand who wishes to beat anyone when they are down.
“I stand for compassion and kindness, regardless of a situation,” she concluded, adding, “From female to fellow females – I wish you only peace and strength during this time.”
The bad news kept on coming for the influencer, with So Dramatic! revealing that beauty brand Hairhouse Australia had confirmed that they would no longer be working with Nadia.
Podcast host Megan Pustetto posted a statement to Instagram from the company responding to a customer’s inquiry over the partnership.
“We can advise that Hairhouse’s partnership with Nadia has come to an end. As a result of Nadia’s actions we have removed all affiliation with Nadia as an ambassador,” the company’s response read.
Fines copped for lockdown breach
Following the revelation that the former wife of AFL star Jimmy Bartel had breached lockdown orders, a Department of Health spokesman told the Herald Sun, “The Department of Health is liaising with Victoria Police in relation to the alleged incident.”
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews also called out the incident, saying in a presser that the “matter would be treated no differently to the engagement party.”
“This video is no different to the engagement party, as it’s out there in the public domain and it would be my anticipation that every single person at that house will be getting a $5500 fine because I’m confident – these really are decisions for the Chief Commissioner, but I would be absolutely certain he would want the law applied equally, regardless of whether you used to be related to a footballer.
“This is everybody’s business. And people should be treated equally. That would be my absolute expectation. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair, would it?”
“I also see on social media other people potentially visiting that house. No visits means no visits. Stay at home. Stay at home. That’s what the rules say and that’s what will keep us safe.”
It has now revealed that Nadia and her friends have since been fined $5452 each for breaching Victoria’s stay home order, totalling a whopping $21,000.
