One of Melbourne’s most high-profile influencers, Nadia Bartel, is apologizing for her actions after a video surfaced online showing her snorting a white powder.
In the video, the socialite and former wife of AFL great, Jimmy Bartel, is shown sniffing – what appears to be cocaine – off of a plate while her friends surround her.
The video was captured on Thursday night and was accidentally published on Ellie Pearson’s (Bartels’ friend and business partner) Instagram Story.
The video has since been deleted and Pearson’s account has also been removed.
Bartel took to Instagram the following afternoon, on Friday, to apologise for her behaviour.
The post (of the same caption) read:
“Hi Everyone,
I have let you all down by my actions.
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”
The influencer has also removed all mentions of her business interests and sponsorships from her Instagram bio.
These include links to her co-owned spray tan company with Pearson, Spray Aus, and her online fashion label, Henne.
The footage has reportedly been raised to Victorian police and is currently under investigation.
On top of the alleged drug use, the video also showed the women flouting a public health order; by having a small gathering in the midst of strict lockdown restrictions in Victoria.
“The Department of Health is liaising with Victoria Police in relation to the alleged incident,” a Department of Health spokesman told the Herald Sun.
When asked about the video at his daily COVID-19 briefing, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he had not yet seen the footage featuring Bartel, hence, he does not wish to comment.
“I would urge everybody to do their very best to follow the rules, all of the time. I know it’s tough, it’s very difficult,” he said.