CONTENT WARNING: This article contains details which may be distressing to some readers.
Australian influencer Mia Plecic has slammed “cancel culture” in a now-deleted statement after footage appeared to show her fiancé Justin Borg dragging their dog by the ear.
“I find it utterly absurd how I’ve once again, become the target of ‘cancel culture’ for the most nonsensical reasons,” the Slick Hair Co founder said in a lengthy Instagram post.
“Ironically, their futile attempts to destroy my reputation inadvertently contribute to the positive trajectory of my success. These individuals who engage in relentless online bullying exhibit a dearth of purpose in their lives. It is truly laughable that they specifically focus their attacks on individuals who surpass them in achievement.
“Unbeknownst to them, their mission to destroy both me and my business inadvertently plays into my hands. As evidenced by our record-breaking sales yesterday, their actions served as a catalyst for bringing me new followers and customers.”
Plecic also said Borg didn’t hurt their dog, Maple, and the Groodle “experienced no harm” during the incident.
“When my partner, Justin, noticed [Maple] eating what appeared to be rice and meat in the park garden, he acted quickly to lead her to the car, holding her floppy ear as she was temporarily without a collar,” she continued.
“Was it hurting her? Absolutely not. To insinuate that she is an abused dog could not be further from the truth. In a hypothetical dangerous situation, I would undoubtedly repeat the same course of action. After all, her tail was wagging, and she experienced no harm.
“Nevertheless, the relentless pursuers of a false narrative will seize any opportunity to tarnish my name. However, their endeavours are futile and shall not prevail. Period.”
Folks in Plecic’s comments disagreed with her explanation.
“Hang on, don’t be upset because people are calling your partner out for grabbing your dog by the ear. People are concerned, dogs ears are extremely sensitive. Can’t imagine you’d like someone to grab your ears?” one person wrote.
“If your doggo doesn’t listen to commands in public you should have her leashed or at least collared so you can ensure you’re not falsely blasted and plastered as an animal abuser,” another said.
ICYMI, in a since-deleted video shared to Plecic’s Instagram Story on Saturday, Borg appeared to pull Maple by the ear at a park.
Plecic captioned the video: “Welcome to my life every single day mate. The girls don’t like leaving the park.”
Gossip account Dutch Minty (@dutchminty) reposted the video to Instagram on Sunday.
“@miaplecic laughing that her fiancé @justinborg pulls their dog by the ears. Yet her company @slickhairco is ‘cruelty free’?” they captioned the post.
Myriad people commented on Dutch Minty’s post expressing their disgust.
“Wonder if she’d be laughing if it was her being dragged around by the ear … this is cruelty. I don’t even know who she is, but I’m glad I don’t,” one person commented.
“Wtf! That’s not ok! I hope the right people see this,” another said.
“How disgusting! Poor dog,” said a third.
“Outrageous! No one should ever handle a dog that way. Especially someone in the public eye. Take those dogs off then [sic],” wrote another Instagram user.
One commenter claimed Plecic “blocked” her on Instagram after she tagged the RSPCA and its New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian branches in the post.
Others queried whether the incident should be reported to the RSPCA or another animal welfare charity.
On Sunday, Plecic shared a statement about the incident to her Instagram Story, denying all allegations of animal cruelty or inappropriate treatment of animals.
“To the people thinking Justin was hurting Maple in that video please relax. She was trying to eat random food in the garden,” she said.
“He wasn’t hurting her. We love our dogs more than anything in the world and they are treated better than any dog. Thanks for your concern x.”
In a separate Story, she added: “Every single person commenting doesn’t follow me so you don’t know how loved these girls are. Easy to jump to conclusions!”
“Maple is the most rough, districtive [sic] dog, a little lead of the ear doesn’t hurt her, trust me. I’d kill Justin or anyone if they hurt my girls xx.”
PEDESTRIAN.TV has reached out to Mia Plecic for comment.
