An influencer based in Dubai is facing intense criticism after suggesting that wars are “not meant to be happening here.”
Iran’s ongoing retaliatory strikes against the United States and Israel have extended into the Gulf, with missiles and drones damaging Dubai’s main international airport terminal and iconic landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab hotel and parts of the Palm Jumeirah.
In a since-deleted Instagram video, Australian influencer Louise Starkey filmed from her hotel balcony as what appeared to be Iranian missiles streaked across the night sky toward a target in the United Arab Emirates.
The video showed Starkey in a white bathrobe as she clutched her face. “I’m scared. I’m actually so scared,” she told her viewers. “It’s not meant to be happening here. Can’t everyone just chill out?”
The influencer continued, “I don’t want anyone getting hurt, you know what I mean?
“I’ve been hearing loud explosions in the background all day. The sound — it shakes the windows. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s the weirdest sound ever and now I’m seeing them.”
“This is not fun, guys. We are supposed to be in the safest place. I love the UAE, I love being here. I feel so safe all the time, and now I can see it. Please just stop.”
According to comments seen by Daily Mail, people were quick to criticize Starkey for saying the missile attack was not “supposed to happen here.”
Dubai is home to many influencers, drawn by its luxury lifestyle, year-round sunshine and reputation as a global playground for content creators.
“Not meant to be happening here has to be one of the most selfish statements I have ever heard. As if it’s meant to happen anywhere,” one person pointed out, while another agreed, “The entitlement. It happens in Gaza, it’s fine. But if it happens to your luxury lifestyle, ‘it’s not meant to happen.”
Other commenters tried to assure Starkey that she should stay calm instead of posting videos on social media.
“It will be over soon. I’m in [Dubai], and I’ve been seeing them all day, but I have a very strong belief that this land is a land of peace and won’t be harmed,” one person wrote, according to news.com.au. “It’s just a temporary disturbance that will end soon. Stay strong.”
“Hang in there, girly. It’s not nice for anyone. But worry about what you can control! And that’s your mindset,” a second person added.
