The Bachelor Australia‘s Jimmy Nicholson and Holly Kingston joined Big Brother Australia’s Skye Wheatley in sharing problematic Instagram Stories about the Seaworld helicopter crash tragedy on the Gold Coast.
The reality stars received significant backlash for their tone-deaf responses to the incident, which saw four people lose their lives after two helicopters collided near the theme park on January 2.
Big Brother Australia’s Skye Wheatley filmed the aftermath of the tragic crash
Skye filmed the aftermath from a vantage point of a nearby shopping centre car park in Southport and posted the video to her Instagram.
It is unclear whether she witnessed the tragic incident or went to the location to get a clearer view of the crash site.
In the video, archived on Instagram watchdog account DutchMinty, Skye said: “Guys a helicopter just crashed right on that sandbank. Three people have died and two people are severely injured.”
She continued to zoom in towards the crash site in the video, writing in the Story: “RIP that is so sad.”
After her post was reshared to the (now private) gossip page, Skye received significant backlash about filming and sharing the incident.
Skye Wheatley takes a break from social media to “count [her] blessings” following her controversial post
The reality star took to Instagram again on January 3 to say that she was “taking a break” from social media.
While she claimed she was using the time to reflect on her “blessings” and spend time being “present with family”, media outlets have speculated the real reason was due to the overwhelmingly negative reaction.
Can everyone please pray with me for the families affected by yesterdays devistating events [sic],” Skye wrote.
She continued: “I am praying for everyone in hospital, they are going to make it [sic].”
Skye told her 636,000 followers that she was “sick to [her] stomach” after realising that “this could happen to anybody”.
“It really makes you take a step back and realise how lucky we are to wake up each day ALIVE. Love you all!! Go give your loved ones a big kiss and cuddle,” she said.
“We are so lucky to be here on earth so whatever you’re struggling with please try and see the beauty in today, I know a lot of families are hurting badly today and I’m sending them all my love and prayers [sic].”
Less than 24 hours later, Skye took to her Instagram Story again to share pictures of her two children.
Jimmy Nicholson and Holly Kingston used the tragedy to remind fans they’ve been on a Seaworld helicopter
The Bachelor Australia’s Jimmy Nicholson used the tradegy to remind fans he once too went on a Seaworld chopper.
Taking to Instagram on January 3 to share his condolences, the reality star inexplicably shared a picture of his own experience as a guest on a Seaworld helicopter.
The former pilot and his fiancée could be seen smiling in front of the chopper, in a picture taken back in June 2022.
“Tragic to hear the news of the Seaworld helicopter crash. We were incredibly impressed with the fabulous, knowledgeable team we met during our experience there last year,” Jimmy said.
He continued: “Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.”
Their flight was sponsored to promote Gold Coast tourism, according to Holly’s Instagram post in 2022.
Want even more goss? Listen to episode 240 of the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto below!
Know something that we don’t? Spill the tea here! Get the tea first!
Follow So Dramatic! on Instagram and tune in on Tuesday to get your reality tea fix with the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto.
