An American influencer who sparked outrage after posting a video of her snatching a baby wombat from its mother while in Australia apologized on Saturday, saying she had acted out of concern for the young animal's welfare.

American influencer Sam Jones issued two statements defending herself after posting a video separating a baby wombat from its mother in Australia.

Sam Jones, who faced extensive backlash—including from the Australian government—after sharing a video of herself separating a joey from its mother, asserts, “Over holding a wombat, thousands threaten my life.