A Disney star has been forced to apologize after sharing a video of her touching sea turtles in Hawaii.
China Anne McClain, 26, sparked outrage after she took to Instagram to share a video of her approaching a resting turtle in Paia, on the north side of Maui, and "gently" touching it during a vacation to Hawaii.
The Descendants 3 actress had captioned the post: "Just found this turtle gem @mynameissisi captured on our Hawaii trip.
"Found so many other pics from this beautiful, healing place that I might share. Don’t be shocked if I pack up & move to Maui one of these days!"
Hawaii laws state that people are not allowed to touch sea turtles and are recommended to stay up to 150ft away from them, and breaking the law could result in a $25,000 fine.
Unsurprisingly, the comments of the video - which was viewed almost half a million times before it was deleted - criticized McClain for her thoughtless actions.
It even caught the attention of Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who commented: "Aloha China, I urge you to educate yourself on Hawaii’s laws and the importance of protecting our marine life before visiting our islands."
He added: "Please delete this video and do better."
Wildlife viewing guidelines set by NOAA, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) encourage people to remain "at least 10 feet away" from sea turtles and "avoid touching" the animals.
According to the DLNR, touching the creatures is "not necessarily breaking the law" unless it is determined that the person intended to harm the turtle or alter its natural behavior.
At least six turtles were seen resting on the sand in the clip McClain posted.
McClain and her sister Sierra apologized after the backlash went viral, telling DLNR: "I was not fully aware of the situation until today, and I certainly wasn’t aware of the laws.
"It’s the people I don’t want to hurt. I understand respecting culture, and I understand the pain that comes with not having your culture respected.
"Those are never lines that we cross intentionally, so that part of this situation is hurting us right now.
"I adore these beautiful turtles and the people of Hawaii. We’re very sorry."
Although McClain deleted her original post, her other content on Instagram has been flooded with criticism from fans urging her to do better in future.
They wrote: "not even from Hawai'i and even I know the rules. Turtles are even my favorite animals and when I went to the Big Island I was at least 20 feet from them just watching them and observing them. and if they got closer I moved back. You're ignorance of the rules of the land is on you. And I believe there are fines and you need to pay. And also stay away from Hawai'i until you learn to respect the land and its people and wildlife."
Others added: "You know you’re not supposed to be touching or going near the wildlife?! RESPECT THE ISLAND," and: "Touching turtles is crazy as a tourist besides the fact that its illegal."
One follower commented: "Shameful China. Ignorance is an excuse as there are signs all around the beaches of Hawaii advising it’s illegal to touch the wildlife. Do better."