Influencer Apologizes After Riding Egg-Laying Sea Turtle in Oman

A Ukrainian fitness influencer has apologized after sparking outrage for appearing to ride a sea turtle as it laid eggs on a beach in Oman. Vadym Oleynik, 32, and his partner Olena Kravchenko, a cosmetic doctor, were photographed taking turns sitting on the turtle's shell in the Ras al Hadd area.

Photographs of the incident, which reportedly occurred during a visit accompanied by volunteers from a local environmental organization, circulated widely online and drew condemnation from conservationists. The Italian conservation project Biologicamente highlighted the incident, criticizing the behavior as "exploitation, mistreatment and abuse" and questioning the involvement of environmental volunteers.

Oman's Environment Authority stated that Oleynik's actions violated laws protecting wildlife and that "necessary legal action" had been taken against him. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to preventing harm to wildlife and their natural habitats.

Reports suggested that Oleynik and Kravchenko had been detained by police, though this has not been officially confirmed. Oleynik, who describes himself as a world calisthenics champion and has a significant social media following, later issued an apology.

He claimed he had been misled and did not intend to harm the turtle, stating, "I didn't see the rules. I made a mistake and apologize to everyone."