Laura Anderson travelled to Dubai while a travel corridor to the UK was still open. Photo / Instagram
Laura Anderson travelled to Dubai while a travel corridor to the UK was still open. Photo / Instagram
A UK reality star, who has copped criticism and lost thousands of followers because of a 'business trip' to Dubai, says she felt "guilty" the whole time she was there.
The reality star, who found fame on the UK version of Love Island, sparked fury for complaining that life was "really hard" being an influencer while in sun-drenched Dubai amid the pandemic – despite the UK suffering through lockdown while hitting the grim milestone of 100,000 dead from COVID-19.
Anderson lost 12,000 followers over the tone-deaf comment, given both England and Scotland have been sent into a full lockdown, which is expected to last until mid-February, after Britain was hit with a highly infectious strain of the virus.
Love Island Star Laura Anderson treads the fine line between work and play in Dubai. Photo / Screenshot
The social media star, who has 1.4 million followers, said that since she had returned to the UK, she felt the true wrath of her followers.
"I felt guilty the whole time. I don't think anyone realised how bad the strain would get, and how quickly. So hearing people upset, I felt horrific," she said.
"The backlash was horrendous and still is. I don't expect anyone to understand my situation.
"I apologise to everyone I've upset. I truly mean that as it was never my intention."
'I appologise': Anderson went public about her Dubai holiday backlash. Photo / Instagram
Anderson's comments come as the UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel took aim at influencers for jetting abroad despite government guidelines banning international travel.
Speaking to parliament, Patel said travel bans were in place for a reason, given the UK has now hit more than 100,000 COVID-related deaths.
"The announcement today will also reduce the number of travelling passengers. I do what to emphasis that because people should simply not be travelling," she said.
"We see the examples, I will call some of them out, border force have given me examples.
"Even at St Pancras people have been turning up with their skis, which is clearly not acceptable.
"We see plenty of influencers on social media showing off about which parts of the world that they are in, mainly in sunny parts of the world. Going on holiday is not an exemption and it is important that people stay at home."
Party bubble: Holidaymakers on a yacht in Daubai. Photo / Kamran Jebreili, AP
Since becoming one of the first places in the world to reopen to tourism, Dubai has boomed with visitors from around the world looking to party like it's 2019.
Peak tourism is in full swing, with influencers descending on the United Arab Emirates to enjoy a little taste of freedom while their home countries remain in lockdown.
While mask-wearing and social distancing are required across Dubai, life in the tourism-reliant city looks much like normal, with its restaurants, hotels and mega-malls open for business.
