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Actor and poker pro James Woods was among those who chimed in over the controversy involving Sam Jones, a TikTok influencer.
Jones, who hails from the United States, left Australia following intense public and governmental backlash after she was filmed taking a baby wombat from its mother for a TikTok video. The incident, which occurred on a rural road, led to widespread condemnation, with Australian officials taking steps towards her deportation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the act and humorously suggested she try a similar stunt with a crocodile.
That video appears below. Jones did return the baby to her mother but, as Woods notes, the damage may already have been done.
"Often if a human touches a bird or animal, a mother then may reject it, costing the creature its life. These “influencers” are awful. Just vile."
American Influencer Sam Jones sparks outrage in Australia after stealing a terrified baby wombat from its mother.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) March 12, 2025
The Influencer smiled as she grabbed the wombat while her friend laughed at the mother’s reaction.
“Haha Look at the mother it’s like chasing after her.” pic.twitter.com/PdwIgHSH1n
Some on Woods Twitter feed claim that idea of a mother rejecting her brood is pure myth.
Jo Ransing wrote: "Not true -- Animals do NOT reject babies that have been touched by humans -- it's a myth created to keep children from messing with baby birds and such."
Jericho agreed: "I put a baby bird back in the nest, and a few minutes later, momma bird came back with worms for her brood, and the baby I picked up got treated like the rest. I agree with others who said it's an old myth to keep youngins from handling wild animals."
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