# ‘We’re very sorry’: Disney actress apologizes after posting video touching a turtle on Maui

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Published: Mar. 3, 2025 at 5:40 PM HST

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - An actress known for her roles in multiple Disney productions is apologizing after she recently posted a video gently touching resting turtles in Hawaii.

Actress China Anne McClain is at the center of the fallout. Her sister Sierra McClain was filming.

In a now-deleted video once posted to her Instagram page, she’s seen walking up to the turtles and begins touching them.

One environmental activist says that’s likely a violation of federal protection laws, however state officials say that might not be the case.

The video was posted sometime over the weekend, and quickly went viral for the wrong reasons.

It was taken in Paia on the north side of Maui, though Hawaii News Now hasn’t been able to confirm the exact location.

In an update put out by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources late Monday afternoon, McClain and her sister apologized and said the video was taken two years ago.

“I was not fully aware of the situation until today, and I certainly wasn’t aware of the laws,” McClain told the DLNR.

“It’s the people I don’t want to hurt. I understand respecting culture, and I understand the pain that comes with not having your culture respected. Those are never lines that we cross intentionally, so that part of this situation is hurting us right now. I adore these beautiful turtles, and the people of Hawaii. We’re very sorry,” she added.

Her father and manager, Michael McClain, added, “All our family loves and respects Hawaii and we apologize for inadvertently causing this pain.”

Before it was deleted, the caption of the video said in part: “Just found this turtle gem... Found so many other pics from this beautiful healing place that I might share. Don’t be shocked if I pack up and move to Maui one of these days.”

Hundreds more in the comments called for McClain to face steep fines for breaking the law.

However, the DLNR said, “Touching turtles is not necessarily breaking the law, unless law enforcement agencies determine that the actions are a ‘take.’ For example, if a person’s actions in some way harm a turtle or alter a turtle’s behaviors, there are a variety of state and/or federal laws that a person could be charged with.”

It’s unclear if the McClains will face any penalties for their actions.

“On its face their activity may not have been a violation of state or federal rules that protect endangered or threatened species like turtles, but it certainly ignored wildlife viewing guidelines developed by NOAA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the DLNR,” state officials said.

Todd Steiner founded the Turtle Island Restoration Network, and has worked to protect turtles around the world.

He says Hawaii is one of the few places where turtles actually come on shore to rest, thermoregulate and digest.

“We can pass on diseases as well as disturb the animals. You really don’t want to have direct contact with these animals as much as in your heart it would feel nice, but yeah, just don’t it,” Steiner said.

And either way, you should avoid getting close.

“We can pass on diseases as well as disturb the animals. You really don’t want to have direct contact with these animals as much as in your heart it would feel nice, but yeah, just don’t it,” Steiner said.

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