This was published 3 years ago
Nadia Bartel and three others fined for breaching public health orders
By Rachel Eddie
Melbourne social media personality Nadia Bartel and three other women have been fined $5452 each for breaching COVID-19 rules after a video shared on social media appeared to show them snorting a white powder at an illegal gathering.
The footage, which was posted accidentally on her business partner Ellie Pearson’s Instagram story, shows Ms Bartel snorting a line of the powder from a dinner plate while surrounded by a group of friends.
A video of Nadia Bartel snorting white powder was uploaded to Instagram.
Victoria’s COVID-19 rules restrict any social gatherings inside or outside the home.
Victoria Police on Monday confirmed four women – a 36-year-old Windsor woman, a 32-year-old Richmond woman, a 33-year-old Pascoe Vale woman and a 35-year-old Strathmore woman – had been fined $5452 each for gathering at a Richmond address on Thursday, from about 4pm.
“A fifth woman at the address was not charged as she was complying with CHO employment restrictions,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
“Enquiries into possible drug offences are ongoing.”
In a social media post last week, Bartel, who has been dropped as a brand ambassador for company JS Health Vitamins, said she was “truly and deeply sorry”, “embarrassed and remorseful”.
“I have let you all down by my actions,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I take full responsibility and I am committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure I make better choices in future.
“I am truly and deeply sorry. I hope I can earn your forgiveness and, in time, your trust.”