An Australian influencer has hit back after being accused of taking money from the Taliban to promote Afghanistan – a claim she says is “categorically untrue” and “hurtful”
Chloe Baradinsky, 30, who gained fame after leaving a career in property finance to pursue content creation, has been the subject of online scrutiny after she travelled to Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Istanbul.
Baradinsky shared multiple videos of her travels where she addressed the reality of living in these countries, down to the oppressive regimes that govern them.
“I think it needs to be categorically stated that was not paid [by the Taliban] to visit Afghanistan,” she told The Daily Telegraph.
“I’ve travelled to around 70 countries and always try my best to film and speak on what I see and learn to an audience that I think appreciates what I try to project with authenticity and thoughtfulness. I don’t have all the answers on complex politics, religious affairs or historic conflicts in any country, including Australia for that matter.”
The content creator insists her videos were about spotlighting culture and people – not downplaying the reality of Taliban rule.
The controversy sparked after Aussie comedian and podcaster Rosie Waterland questioned whether Baradinsky had received financial support for the trip.
“I wouldn’t even call her an influencer,” Waterland said in the now deleted episode.
“She’s been desperately trying to be one for more than a decade. She went to Afghanistan and filmed glamorous travel content … and I thought, ‘She wouldn’t have done this unless she was sponsored.’”
Waterland later denied encouraging online abuse against the 30-year-old creator.
Is ethical tourism possible in Afghanistan?
Ramya DilipKumar, operations manager for the Asia Pacific team at travel risk intelligence firm Riskline, told news.com.au that the answer is complicated.
“In a nutshell, ethical tourism is about supporting and respecting the local communities, the economy and environment where you’re travelling – and trying to bring about a positive impact,” she said.
While more travellers are seeking “authentic, ethical” experiences, Ms DilipKumar warned Afghanistan is not like other destinations where all aspects of ethical tourism cannot be fully met.
“My recommendation is to defer non-essential travel to Afghanistan for safety purposes, which is in line with what the Australian government advises,” she said.
She noted that even the most well-meaning traveller cannot completely separate their visit from the Taliban regime.
“It is hard for a tourist to ensure that any money they spend in Afghanistan doesn’t go back to a regime they don’t necessarily support. Even if they don’t support the ideologies and governance of that regime, they will still have to purchase a visa from that government in order to visit.”
According to Ms DilipKumar, parts of Afghanistan’s fragile economy do stand to gain from tourism.
“Beneficiaries can include local artisans, hotels, restaurants and other businesses … as well as local tour guides, homestay hosts and translators,” she said.
“But yes, the government also benefits because you still have to pay them for visa and travel permits.”
The traveller’s perspective
For Baradinsky, the purpose of her videos seems clear: showing a side of a country often hidden behind politics and war headlines.
Ms DilipKumar says striking that balance between curiosity and moral responsibility comes down to preparation and respect.
She advises travellers to research a country’s customs, avoid discussion of sensitive topics, and support small, safe and local businesses.
“Eating at locally owned restaurants and purchasing arts and crafts made by local artisans will benefit that community,” she said.
“Some areas may be off-limits for security or cultural reasons but travellers should respect that even if they don’t necessarily believe in them.”
Baradinsky, meanwhile, remains adamant that her intentions have been misunderstood.
“There’s a lot more to the country than what it seems,” she said.
Baradinsky has been contacted for comment.
Read the full article in news.com.au.