These Influencers Who Painted A Fake Face Mask To Enter A Bali Supermarket Are Getting Deported

Josh Paler Lin and Leia “Risha” Se, a US-based YouTuber and Russian Instagram influencer, are getting deported from Bali, Indonesia, after they shared a viral video that showed Lin painting a fake face mask on Se’s face and then entering a supermarket together.

In the video, which was posted on Apr. 22 and has since been deleted, Lin and Se decided to paint a fake face mask on her face after she was refused entry into the store for not wearing mask, which is mandatory under COVID-19 rules.

“Did you notice like no one’s actually looking at you?” Lin said in the video after they were able to get in. “I can’t believe it worked!”

Under Indonesia’s rules, foreigners will have to pay a fine of 1 million rupiah (US$70) the first time they don’t wear a mask in public and will be deported after a second offence, according to SCMP.

Despite it being Lin and Se’s first known offense, officials announced on Friday Apr. 30 that they were deporting the two, local outlet Coconuts reported.

“It’s only proper to sanction them more severely, not just with a fine but also deportation,” police said, SCMP reported. “They are not only violating, but deliberately provoking in public to defy health guidelines.”

Lin, who has 3.4 million subscribers on YouTube channel where he posts prank videos, holds a Taiwan passport but is based in the US. Se, who has about 25,000 followers on Instagram and has appeared in many of Lin’s recent videos, is a Russian citizen, according to authorities.

The two have since uploaded an apology video to Lin’s Instagram. Wearing proper face masks and sitting next to their lawyer, Lin said they had no intention to “disrespect or encourage everyone not to wear masks.” Lin said that he had created the video to entertain people.

“I am a content creator, and it is my job to entertain people,” he said, adding that he did not realize the prank would bring about a lot of negative comments and concerns.

He has since gone back to posting prank videos on his accounts again.