An Australian social media influencer has been charged with poisoning her one-year-old daughter to gain donations and followers online, raising A$60,000 on a crowdfunding platform.
Authorities alleged that the woman drugged her child and filmed the baby in “immense distress and pain” to solicit sympathy and financial support. The investigation began in October when medical professionals reported the child’s severe condition to the police, following a medical episode that required hospitalization. The baby was reportedly left in “severe emotional and physical distress and harm.”
Investigators found that the influencer had been administering prescription and over-the-counter medications to the baby without proper authorization over several months. Authorities further accused her of obtaining leftover medication prescribed to another individual in the household and attempting to conceal her actions.
The woman faces charges including torture, poisoning, child exploitation, and fraud. Police have assured the public that the child is now “safe and doing well.” Meanwhile, the crowdfunding platform involved is working to reimburse donors.
