Ash Pollard, a contestant on the Australian reality show 'My Kitchen Rules,' has issued a public apology after receiving backlash for a video she posted on Instagram playing the didgeridoo.
Pollard, 40, shared a clip of herself attempting to play the wind instrument, which is created by First Nations peoples. In some Aboriginal communities, the didgeridoo is traditionally played only by men during sacred or ceremonial occasions.
Following the post, Pollard was criticized by followers who pointed out the cultural insensitivity of her actions. She subsequently removed the video and posted an apology on social media.
"I posted a video playing the didgeridoo without understanding that this instrument is traditionally reserved for men within many Aboriginal cultures," Pollard stated in her apology. "I was wrong to do that, and I'm sorry. I feel sick about my mistake. I'm disappointed in myself on so many levels."
Pollard expressed her respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures, and committed to learning more to avoid repeating the error. "Please accept my sincerest apology. Thank you for holding me accountable. For those that kindly sent DMs with educational materials, I appreciate you very much."
In the original video, Pollard was seen with her children, attempting to play the instrument and reminiscing about previously being able to play it. She noted her attempt was "abysmal" and that she had failed to recapture the skill.
The backlash prompted many comments from users educating Pollard on the instrument's cultural significance. "Anyone who doesn't understand why this is not okay needs to educate themselves ASAP," one user wrote. Another commented, "Come on... you need to respect the culture. Are you just taking the mickey here?"
Some users defended Pollard, suggesting that not all Indigenous communities have the same restrictions regarding women playing the didgeridoo and that her intentions may not have been malicious. However, many stressed the importance of respecting cultural protocols and conducting research before engaging with sacred cultural items.
Mai Pollard had shared a clip of herself on Instagram attempting to play the instrument, but was soon forced to delete it and apologise after fans slammed her for using it.
The wind instrument was created by First Nations peoples and, in some communities, is traditionally only played by men during sacred or ceremonial occasions. 
