Influencer banned for taking nude photos on Bali sacred tree

Social media star Alina Fazleeva won’t be vacationing in Bali any time soon.

The Russian influencer and her husband Andrey Fazleev have been banned from the Indonesian province of Bali after posting a photo of herself posing nude under a very old sacred tree.

Fazleeva was expelled from Bali after finding out her photoshoot was taken under a 700-year-old banyan tree on a temple compound.

The now-deleted snap was posted on May 1st and the couple were deported on Friday May 6th.

According to AFP, the couple will not be allowed to set foot on the island for at least six months.

“They have carried out activities that endangered public order and disregarded local norms, so they are being punished with deportation. Their names will be added to an entry ban list,” said Bali’s Chief Immigration Officer Jamaruli Manihuruk, the outlet reported.

AFP also noted that Bali deported nearly 200 people over the past year for a variety of reasons, including violating COVID-19 restrictions and disregarding the country’s traditions and customs.

Fazleeva and her husband performed a ritual at the tree’s location before leaving to ask for forgiveness. She also followed up her snafu with two apology posts on social media.

In a post, the duo prayed alongside the evergreen with an Indonesian caption that read: “I apologize to all Balinese and Indonesians, I regret my actions. I’m so embarrassed, I didn’t mean to offend you in any way, absolutely no idea about this place. I just prayed under a tree and went straight to the police station to explain what happened and apologize.”

A separate photo showed the Instagrammer with her hands raised in a prayer pose and her eyes closed. In English, she wrote: “I appeal to my friends and all guests of Bali. I unknowingly made a big mistake that I regret and that I want to tell you so you don’t repeat it. There are many sacred places in Bali and not all of them have signs about them like in my case.”

She continued: “And it’s very important to treat these places and traditions with respect. And first it is important to find out whether it is possible to take photos or videos in this place. I love Bali with all my heart and once again I apologize to all Bali residents and ask for forgiveness.”

Fazleeva shared in a social media update on Sunday that she and her partner have finally returned to Moscow.

“Now we are already in Moscow, I’m coming to my senses and when I’m ready I’ll tell you what really happened,” she wrote in Russian and Indonesian. “We are grateful for all the words of support we have received from the people of Bali and the island for all He has given us.”