Former Pro Surfer Denies Viral Rumors Linking Her to Sacred Lake Incident
Australian model and former professional surfer Ellie-Jean Coffey has spoken out after becoming the target of online abuse and death threats following a false accusation that she appeared in a viral video allegedly showing a woman defecating in a sacred lake in India.
The shocking misinformation spread quickly across social media platforms, sparking outrage from users who mistakenly identified Coffey as the person in the disturbing clip. The 29-year-old influencer has since publicly denied any involvement, calling the situation “one of the most distressing experiences” of her life.
How the False Rumor Spread Online
The controversy began earlier this week when a video surfaced on social media showing an unidentified woman near a holy lake in India, reportedly engaging in an act of public indecency. Within hours, several users on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit began circulating screenshots, falsely claiming the woman was Ellie-Jean Coffey.
Coffey, who has over a million followers on Instagram, said she was completely unaware of the video until she began receiving abusive messages, threats, and hateful comments. In a statement shared on her verified social media account, she wrote:
“I’ve been wrongly accused of something I had nothing to do with. These lies have caused enormous damage to my mental health and reputation. I would never disrespect another country’s culture or sacred space.”
Ellie-Jean Coffey’s Response and Legal Action
Coffey’s management team has confirmed that legal steps are being taken to remove the defamatory content and identify the individuals responsible for spreading false information. Her representatives also urged people to verify facts before sharing harmful claims online.
Her lawyer released a statement emphasizing that spreading false allegations constitutes defamation and could lead to legal consequences. “Ellie-Jean Coffey is not connected in any way to the video. She has been the victim of mistaken identity and targeted harassment,” the statement said.
Support from Fans and Mental Health Advocates
While the incident initially led to a wave of online hate, many of Coffey’s fans and fellow influencers have since come forward to show support. Social media users have condemned the false claims and called for stricter moderation on platforms that allow misinformation to spread so easily.
Mental health experts have also weighed in, warning about the emotional toll that false accusations and cyberbullying can have on public figures. “When rumors go viral, the damage to someone’s personal and professional life can be devastating,” one digital safety advocate noted.
Coffey has been open in the past about her struggles with mental health and her journey to self-acceptance after leaving professional surfing. She has used her platform to promote body positivity, wellness, and kindness online — values that she says make this incident especially painful.
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The Dangers of Online Misinformation
This incident highlights the growing issue of false viral claims and their real-world consequences. In today’s digital age, misinformation can spread rapidly, often without any verification. For public figures like Coffey, a single misleading post can lead to reputational harm, emotional distress, and even threats to personal safety.
Coffey urged her followers to “be kind and responsible online,” reminding them that words have power and that behind every headline or post, there is a real person who can be deeply affected.
Moving Forward
Despite the traumatic experience, Coffey has said she will continue to use her platform to raise awareness about online bullying and misinformation. She thanked her supporters and emphasized her commitment to spreading positivity amid adversity.
“This has been incredibly painful,” she said. “But I know the truth, and I won’t let lies destroy my spirit.”