US influencer Sam Jones releases statement on controversial wombat video

The US influencer who fled Australia after snatching a baby wombat from its mother has opened up about the furore, hitting back at what she calls ‘hypocrisy’.

The controversial US influencer who fled Australia after snatching a baby wombat from its mother has hit back at the furore surrounding her stunt, claiming she is not a “villain”.

In a statement posted to her Instagram page, Samantha Strable, also known as Sam Jones, suggested Australians were hypocritical in their treatment of native animals and said the public backlash that followed her social media post put her life in danger.

“Am I a villain” Things, dear reader, are not as they seem .

“Over holding a wombat, thousands threaten my life.

“Let me be clear. These same people ought to understand the reality of Australia today. For the readers that are so angered by my mistaken attempt to help and that I am a hunter - do not be blind to your country.”

US influencer Sam Jones with the baby wombat. Picture: Instagram

Ms Strable then says the Australians government allows and permits the “slaughter” of wombats in order to keep Australians fed.

“Thousands each year are shot, poisoned to suffer and trapped legally.

“Landowners rip up wombat burrows with heavy machinery, poison them with fumigation and shoot them whenever they can.

“Quietly, of course, so as not to face the wrath that has come upon me.

“Why, might you ask, do they kill them? Well, to feed you.

“The landowner is trying to survive, to raise you the lamb for your dinner table...wombats get in the way of this.”

More to come.

Originally published as US influencer Sam Jones releases statement on controversial wombat video