Celebrity Poker Pro James Woods Calls Influencers 'Awful' After Sam Jones Takes Baby Wombat From Mother

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.

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

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) March 12, 2025

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."