An Australian content creator finds herself under criticism online, as she defends herself following the backlash over her TikTok posts detailing a recent journey to Afghanistan.
Last month, social media personality Chloe Baradinsky (also recognized as Chloe Barry) publicly posted an open and candid account of her recent encounters in a nation under Taliban control.
The hosts of both Big Small Talk and Just The Gist podcasts subsequently alleged that Chloe, aged 30, was endorsing or supporting the conflict-ridden nation, and suggested she might have received financial compensation from the Taliban.
Chloe strongly asserted that she did not receive the trip as a gift from the militant group who seized power in 2021; instead, she maintained it was not true.
In a recent TikTok video, she questioned who might have spread the story suggesting her journey to Afghanistan was funded by the Taliban.
‘It’s the most absurd thing in the entire world.’
Back in August, I couldn’t help but revisit a heartfelt episode of Big Small Talk that left a lasting impression on me. In this discussion, the charismatic duo, Hannah Ferguson and Sarah-Jane Adams, delved deep into Chloe’s extraordinary journey to Afghanistan – a trip that has been etched in my memory ever since.
Hannah and Sarah-Jane discussed the current surge of social media influencers traveling to Afghanistan, sharing optimistic accounts about their visits to the nation.
In their conversation, they brought up Chloe as an illustration, and they openly talked about the challenges that Afghan women experience on a regular basis.
Sarah-Jane stated, “While these influencers are wandering about with ease and posting online, it’s difficult to see that similar freedoms aren’t afforded to the women in that particular country.
The speakers further commented that tourism might unintentionally lend credibility and support to the Taliban’s governance, and they raised concerns about Chloe endorsing travel in this particular nation, bringing up questions related to moral standards.
Instead, after facing such comments, Chloe has responded forcefully, refuting the claims that she was compensated by the Taliban for her trip.
In the video, Chloe expressed her frustration, saying, “It barely took any time at all for them to reach out and ask if my journey to Afghanistan was paid for or given instead.
In a surprised and firm tone, I might say, “I find this utterly unbelievable! It’s beyond comprehension that such an idea could be proposed. Absolutely not!” Regarding the rumors about the Taliban financing influencer trips, I must confess I hold serious doubts about their financial capabilities to support such ventures.
@chloebaradinsky
“Irresponsible”
♬ original sound – Chloe
After offering apologies for certain remarks, Hannah and Sarah-Jane continued to firmly uphold their initial discussion regarding the ethical implications of Chloe’s journey.
They likewise cited remarks made by Pashtana Durrani, a women’s rights advocate from ABC Radio National, on her recent thoughts concerning visits by influencers to Afghanistan.
She expressed that Afghanistan is a stunningly beautiful nation, one that should be appreciated before any conflicts arise. Additionally, she hopes for a time when all Afghan citizens, both those currently living there and those who have been displaced, can safely return to their homeland.
As a fervent admirer, allow me to share my conviction: It’s crucial for everyone to grasp this point – what we’re witnessing isn’t mere promotion; it’s propaganda, orchestrated by the Taliban. This campaign is designed to polish their global image, projecting an allure of safety and hospitality towards foreigners. It’s a carefully crafted attempt to make the country appear more inviting.
Simultaneously, it’s important to note the inconsistency in actions of those who contribute to efforts fighting terrorism through tax payments, yet apparently support or propagate the ideologies of the Taliban while traveling to Afghanistan.
In one episode of the podcast “Just The Gist,” hosted by Rosie Waterland, Chloe was heavily criticized. However, that specific episode has since been taken down.
In their conversation, Rosie didn’t directly mention Chloe by name, but she did reference the creator’s video content and made passionate remarks about Chloe’s experiences during her travels in Afghanistan.
Rosie remarked that the woman didn’t quite fit the bill of an influencer, although she might possibly qualify, given her efforts to become one over the past 10 years.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my thoughts on this matter. You see, she boldly stated that this young lady understands the flaws of our nation. Now, while I respect her perception, I’d like to speculate that perhaps she was also seeking a complimentary journey and the limelight. After all, isn’t it human nature to appreciate recognition?
Additionally, Chloe voiced her stance publicly on TikTok, alleging that the podcast host was engaging in abusive behavior towards her.
Chloe remarked that the podcast was extremely offensive and quite difficult to listen to. In her opinion, such harsh speech wouldn’t be tolerated in a private conversation, let alone in public.
Once more, Chloe rejected allegations that she received payments from the Taliban, and further dismissed suggestions that she functions as an influencer. She also strongly rebuked any insinuation that her portrayal of Afghanistan was in any way glamorous.
In an attempt to clarify the matter, I expressed my concerns, acknowledging that the circumstances are quite complex and not always as they may appear in the media. I further elaborated on the intricacies involved.
‘I was just sharing what I saw and how people spoke to me verbatim.’
Since then, Rosie has taken down the podcast episode as well as a subsequent post where she continued her remarks about Chloe.
Rosie found it hard to believe she was responding, but what seemed strange at first is now something completely different,” (paraphrased from her deleted post).
I came across an article online featuring travel influencers who are women, creating high-end travel content from Afghanistan.
‘I found it appalling, and brought it up on my podcast two weeks ago.
Yesterday, an influencer posted a video accusing me of public bullying towards her, and encouraged her followers to confront me about it.
Over the past few hours, I’ve unfortunately found myself at the mercy of some of the most vicious online harassment I’ve encountered.
In a previous occurrence, Chloe encountered criticism when she shared her travel experiences in that particular country, as her recent posts were frequently flooded with worried messages.
She replied recently, acknowledging that selecting this specific location might invite a great deal of criticism.
I decided to go ahead and share it as there’s a chance that it might persuade a single individual to reconsider their perspective on the country or even inspire them to visit. Regardless of any negative reactions, it’s worth it for me.
As an enthusiastic explorer, I find myself deeply intrigued and eager to delve into understanding diverse populations. My recent travels beyond the borders of my home country have granted me a fresh outlook. It’s become increasingly clear that the people themselves, with their unique cultures and values, are distinct from the political entities that represent them.
This decision wasn’t supported by the public. They didn’t make that choice themselves. Instead, they’re facing hardships. Why should they bear the consequences due to their current administration?
Over the past four years, there’s been a significant increase in travel to Afghanistan, which was marked by the takeover of Kabul by Taliban forces on August 15, 2021, shortly after the departure of U.S. troops under President Biden’s administration.
Known globally as an activist and scholar, Orzala Nemat expressed her concerns about the increasing presence of foreign influencers in Afghanistan.
Orzala informed NBC News that what we’re observing appears to be a carefully crafted image of the nation, one which tactfully excludes the harsh truths about the struggles endured by Afghan women under Taliban leadership,” is one possible way to rephrase the original statement in a more natural and easy-to-read manner.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism for Afghanistan, Qudratullah Jamal, shared with The Associated Press (AP) that approximately 9,000 international travelers visited Afghanistan last year and about 3,000 tourists had already been there during the initial quarter of 2021.
As a devoted supporter, I’d like to share that tourism offers numerous advantages to a nation, and it’s my belief that we should seize these opportunities wholeheartedly for the betterment of our own country.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: In a statement to Fox News Digital, I, as the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), have expressed my concern that the Taliban has erased any progress made towards empowering Afghan women.
She stated that the continuous exclusion of women from participating in public affairs within Afghanistan carries severe detrimental impacts on the nation’s future growth and progress.
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2025-09-04 12:08