Police issue $21,000 in fines after Nadia Bartel video leaked
Police have dished out more than $21,000 worth of fines after a video of influencer Nadia Bartel at an alleged illegal lockdown party hit social media.
Police have revealed they have fined four women "following a gathering at a Richmond address in contravention of the Chief Health Officer's restrictions", which took place about 4pm on September 2.
"A 36-year-old Windsor woman, a 32-year-old Richmond woman, a 33-year-old Pascoe Vale woman and a 35-year-old Strathmore woman have all be issued with a penalty infringement notice for failing to comply with requirements in relation to a private or public gathering," a Victoria police spokesperson said.
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In the video Bartel can be seen snorting what appears to be a white powder. (Nine) Nine
Each of the women have been fined $5452, while a fifth woman who was at the private home was not charged after police ruled she had been complying with CHO's restrictions.
Police said they are still investigating possible drug offences at the gathering.
Officers began investigating the incident on Friday after a video of well-known Melbourne model and business owner Nadia Bartel gathering in a bathroom with at least two other women was shared to Instagram on Thursday.
In the video she can be seen snorting what appears to be white powder from a plate.
It was shared as Victoria is enduring its sixth COVID-19 lockdown, in which home visits are banned.
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Nadia Bartel posted an apology online. Instagram / @nadiabartel
The video was deleted by the woman who shared it soon after being posted.
However, it quickly went viral online, leading to Bartel posting a message on her Instagram account on Friday evening claiming she was "embarrassed and remorseful"
"Hi everyone, I have let you all down by my actions," she wrote.
"I take full responsibility and I am committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure I make better choices in future.
"To my family and friends, my business partners and the public health workers trying to keep us all safe, I am embarrassed and remorseful.
"I am truly and deeply sorry. I hope I can earn your forgiveness and, in time, your trust."
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