Influencer Kimberley Garner defends posting beach pictures amid online backlash

‘I don’t want to offend anyone at all or make them feel that I’m trying to show off ,’ says Garner

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Kimberley Garner has brushed off the growing backlash aimed at influencers posting about  “work trips” abroad while the rest of the country remains in lockdown.

The former Made in Chelsea star is currently in Miami and is one of many reality influencers who have been slammed by home secretary Priti Patel for jetting abroad under the ruse of “working”, despite strict Covid-19 travel rules.

Many social media users have also criticised celebrities who have left the UK during lockdown, calling them “selfish” and “out of touch”.

One user commented on a picture Garner uploaded of herself in a bikini at the beach: "There is a pandemic going on, why do you think Covid rules don’t apply to you?!"

As the criticism intensifies, Garner has declared she will continue to post beach photos in the hope that "social media is a bit of light entertainment".

Speaking to The Telegraph, Garner said: "I have thought a lot about whether or not to keep posting pictures at the beach. I don’t want to offend anyone at all or make them feel that I’m trying to show off, when I’m really not.

“But in the end, I’ve decided to keep going. I hope that social media is a bit of light entertainment: colourful pictures of the beach, bright sunshine and the bikinis that I design. I want it to be uplifting – from this approach I have had such kind and positive feedback.”

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The reality star went on to explain that she had departed the UK for Miami – where she owns a house – in early December but, as the US doesn’t allow travellers in from the UK, she quarantined for 14 days in Barbados beforehand.

In an Instagram post, Garner insisted that she was being “really safe” and “following the UK’s restrictions even though I’m in America”.

She added: "I’m really lucky to be in the sun and outdoors, and am valuing that totally, but not going to live normally as it’s not a normal world at the moment.

“I really think and feel for everyone home at the moment, it really sucks, please be brave, please be kind to each other.”

Leaving the UK is currently against the law except for all but the most essential travel, amid a tight coronavirus lockdown.

In an address to the House of Commons on Wednesday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said going on holiday was “not an exemption” as she unveiled a clampdown to slow the spread of the virus.

"We see plenty of influencers showing off where they are – mainly sunny places," added the home secretary.

It comes as the United Arab Emirates was added to the "red list" of countries – meaning that direct flights will end and tough self-isolation rules will apply to arrivals – after dozens of celebrities and influencers flocked to Dubai in order to avoid the strict UK lockdown.

Patel said the new rule would require people wishing to leave the UK to go abroad to first "make a declaration for why they need to travel", which would then be “checked by carriers prior to departure” with anyone who doesn’t have a valid reason to travel “directed to return home or face a fine”.

Other countries on the red list include Portugal, the Seychelles, Chile and Angola.