First Nations actor Miranda Tapsell has spoken about the recent controversy surrounding influencers using Uluru as a backdrop for social media content.
The ancient, red sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory is one of Australia’s greatest tourist attractions, drawing crowds all year round.
But the monument holds deep spiritual significance to the Anangu people — the traditional owners of the land.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 
On September 14, Tapsell appeared on Stellar’s podcast Something To Talk About and was asked why the use of this sacred site by social media creators has caused such uproar.
“A lot of the traditional owners of that area feel responsible for the visitors that come to the place,” the mum-of-two responded.
“Even if you don’t believe in the spirituality that surrounds the place, you are going to someone’s house.
“So you do have to have a certain respect about what you can photograph.
“Especially if it’s a particular place where thousands of women have had babies or where hundreds of men throughout the generations have danced.”
A group of influencers sparked backlash earlier this month for using the spiritual site as a backdrop for social media shots.
According to the Uluru website, while photos are allowed in certain areas of the park, photos of culturally sensitive sites are prohibited at Uluru out of respect for the Aboriginal Anangu people.
Sky News reported at the time that travel company Explore Uluru had invited social media creators to the sacred indigenous site.
During the sponsored trip, the women posted videos on TikTok showcasing their “fit checks” and behind-the-scenes moments.
But online critics claimed the group had failed to honour Indigenous culture adequately on their posts.
“Other people questioned why no indigenous creators were invited, with some commentators calling for Explore Uluru to reconsider their ethics,” Sky News reported.
The social media personalities have since spoken out in their own defence, with influencer Bella Messina sharing a lengthy statement on August 30 in response to the trip’s criticism.
“I just want to say I have such deep respect for first nations culture, and I have shown that for years and years over my social media platforms,” Messina shared on her TikTok account.
“I have an acknowledgement of country on my podcast.
Messina explained that she had consulted extensively with the Anangu community during her visit, as well as other community groups.
“And I have shared that on my social media platforms,” she said.
“We have also talked to media consultants and the national park team. This has been a deeply educational and beautiful experience.”
During the Stellar interview, Tapsell added: “This is a point of pride for the traditional owners of Uluru. So to me, it’s just so straightforward and so not complicated.”
Tapsell — who is returning to screens with the streaming series Top End Bub (a sequel to her 2019 film Top End Wedding) — also opened up about her double Logie win in 2015.
At the time, she used her acceptance speech to call out the importance of having more First Nations representation on screens.
“That’s the reason I started making my own work,” Tapsell said.
“There has been a lot of progress [but] I think there is still trepidation when it comes to casting and writing characters of colour.”
Stream free on
