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Models axed by agencies over 'influencer party' held in lockdown

Emily Lefroy
·3-min read

Two models have been dumped by their agencies following an illegal party in Auckland on Saturday night during the city's lockdown.

In now-deleted footage that circulated online, attendees appear to be drinking, dancing on tables and kissing at the North Shore suburb of Redvale in Auckland, despite the city being in level 3 lockdown.

Outdoor gatherings are currently restricted to two households with a maximum of 10 people. No indoor gatherings with other bubbles are allowed.

party
The party in Auckland spaked immediate backlash online, leading to one man being charged and two models being dumped by their agencies. Source: Video still

The party outraged Auckland residents, who named and shamed users on social media.

The news comes as New Zealand reports 60 new cases of Covid-19 – 57 of those in Auckland – prompting fears of a superspreader event.

Models axed by agencies

Model and social media influencer Charlie Wilson was reportedly dropped by Verano Management after her weekend antics, with the agency releasing a statement saying they "don't condone" her behaviour.

"We do not support or condone the events of the past 24 hours by anyone involved," the agency said.

"Thank you to all for bringing the issue to our attention.

"Stay home and stay safe."

Kim Tiam, the owner of KAM Talent confirmed with NewsHub that they let go of influencer Jaydn McCarthy, saying she was "shocked" by what happened.

"This irresponsible and reckless act has consequences," she told the publication.

models
Jaydn McCarthy apologised on his Instagram after attending the party in Auckland. He has been dumped by his agency following outrage over the party. Source: Instagram/Jaydnmccarthy

"We do not condone his behaviour at all and have removed him from our agency as of today."

'A blatant breach of the rules': NZ PM

Auckland councillor John Watson slammed those who attended the illegal gathering, condemning their "selfish" behaviour.

"Ironically, one of the partygoers themselves on one of the social media platforms described their behaviour as selfish and stupid," Mr Watson told Radio NZ.

"That's a pretty good description of it in light of the sacrifice everyone has been making ... this is a bit of a one-fingered salute to the community as a whole."

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield agreed, saying it would be disappointing for everyone else in lockdown to see the rules being blatantly broken.

“It must be very disappointing for others in Auckland because they’ve been doing the hard yards for a couple of months,” he told Breakfast.

"There’s no doubt that people are tiring of the situation and that’s understandable, but there’s a difference to being tired ... and something that is blatantly flouting.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern commented on the illegal gathering on Monday afternoon, saying it was a “blatant breach” of lockdown rules.

Man arrested in relation to party

A 28-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the party.

Police said in a statement the man has been charged "with failing to comply with the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order (No.12) 2021".

"Police will not tolerate this type of breach of alert level restrictions and would like to thank those members of the public who reported the matter to us," the statement read.

"Enquiries into this matter are ongoing and Police are not ruling out enforcement action against other individuals."

He is scheduled to appear in the North Shore District Court on October 22.

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