Married at First Sight Australia 2022’s Ella Ding has received backlash from fans after illegally riding a scooter in Bali without a helmet.
Just like in Australia, helmets are legally required in Indonesia, with the maximum punishment being one month in prison or a fine of 250,000 Indonesian Rupiah, which equates to $25 (AUD).
On October 31, Ella filmed herself riding on the back of a scooter, while on holiday in Bali. She held onto the driver (who was wearing a helmet) with one hand.
“Really going to miss this place,” Ella wrote on her Instagram story.
An Australian Radio Announcer Calls Out MAFS’ Ella Ding’s Illegal and Potentially Dangerous Act
Radio announcer Annabelle Brett took to her Instagram Story to call out Ella and urge fans of the influencer not to follow her poor example.
“People drink drive, speed, and there’s no way to know the roads, as well as locals. You cause traffic and incidents because of this. Also, it’s illegal there. Don’t break the law,” the reporter claimed.
She added: “Nobody should have to witness you getting a traumatic brain injury so you could ‘look cool’.
“Not to mention the huge strain you have on their already struggling hospital system.”
The journalist alleged that many insurance plans wouldn’t cover riding without a helmet.
“You and your family will be slumped with hundreds of thousands to get you home,” she said.
Married at First Sight Australia Fans Debated Whether Ella Ding Was Promoting Dangerous Behaviour
Reality TV fans took to private Facebook groups to air their complaints about “influencers thinking they are invincible”.
“Put a bloody helmet on. If you have an accident, don’t start a GoFundMe because your insurance isn’t going to cover it. You are not above the law,” one person wrote, adding screenshots of Ella to her post.
Then, another fan recalled her recent experience in an Indonesian hospital, having met a honeymoon couple who were “really badly injured” after a “truck smashed into them on their scooter”.
@sodramaticonline MAFS Ella Ding is copping major criticism after filming herself on the back of a motorbike in Bali not wearing a helmet! 😬 #mafs #mafsau #mafsaus #mafsaustralia #fyp #bali #moped #balibike #motorbike #ellading #ellamafs #marriedatfirstsight #marriedatfirstsightau #mafs2022 #mafsau2022 #mafsaus2022 #motorbikeaccident ♬ original sound – So Dramatic!
“They both had helmets on, luckily, but they were both really badly injured. It was their honeymoon too 
u never know what may happen [sic],” the comment read.
Another fan who works in the trauma department at a hospital urged people to follow safety rules.
“I work in trauma and the injuries we see bike riders with appropriate protective wear including helmets is horrific,” they wrote.
“There’s no way I would get on a bike/scooter/ATV without a helmet, especially not in a third-world country.
“Approximately 1500 people die annually on the roads in Bali. That is more than Australia. You only have to scroll the internet to see story after story of Australians involved in road accidents in Bali. It happens. Noone is exempt. How irresponsible.”
Another said: “Australians have such a bizarre cultural approach to their behaviour in Bali. Why is it that things we would never do in our country are suddenly acceptable behaviour there?”
One fan agreed with this sentiment, saying that it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, you should wear a helmet.
“Not wearing a helmet in Bali, Australia, down the street or in bloody Antarctica is just so beyond stupid. It’s up there with not wearing a seatbelt. People who blatantly turn their noses up at safety are not it,” they wrote.
While some fans were more sympathetic towards the MAFS alum — explaining that many foreigners didn’t wear helmets in Bali — others argued that seeing other people doing the same thing didn’t justify breaking the law.
“Have you seen most of the people in Bali? I’m guessing not. Sad that you think those who give lifts can supply everyone with a helmet because giving people lifts is basically all their income to support themselves and their families,” one fan wrote.
“Y’all will pick at anything to get some attention. If this was a normal none influencer person, would you be posting this?”
Another added: “Just having a normal holiday sharing their experience. They’re still human, but y’all will find anything to pick at.”
However, others argued that influencers, well… influence people. It is kinda in the name!
“If this was a normal non-influencer, this would be less of an issue. But influencers should model correct conduct, because they have the capacity to influence,” one said.
“When I have a ‘normal holiday’, I try not to break the law and certainly don’t document myself doing so.” LOL!
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