The latest bloggers to be criticized for a risky move are American travelers Kelly and Kody, who post on Instagram under their account Positively.
An Instagram-famous couple has come under fire for posing on the edge of an infinity pool in a stunt that many have dubbed “dangerous” and “foolish”. Kelly Castille and Kody Workman, however, have defended their infinity pool pic, saying that they took every precaution necessary and were never in any danger.
Travel bloggers Kelly Castille, 33, and Kody Workman, 32, who is based in Bali, but are originally from Louisiana and Michigan respectively, shared a dramatic photo of themselves posing at the Kayon Jungle Resort in Ubud on April 3.
The photograph shows Kelly bravely hanging off the edge of a three-story swimming pool while kissing boyfriend Kody who was standing in the water and holding her up by the arms, leaving her legs and torso to dangle freely.
But while the couple insists that they took every precaution while shooting the image, they have faced a bitter backlash from Instagram followers who have blasted them for seemingly putting their need for likes before their own safety.
The photo has prompted a ferocious debate in the comments section, with many people blasting the couple’s actions as ‘dangerous’ and ‘stupid’ and pointing out that they may inspire copy-cats to put themselves in danger by trying to replicate it.
Others have spoken out to defend their actions however, insisting that they should be allowed to do as they please provided they feel safe.
Ironically, the couple addressed this topic in their original caption for the photo, which read: ‘Our greatest strength in life, our most important principle, is discernment. Only you can know your body, feel the space around you and understand your capabilities.
‘We would all do well to remember this, knowing that not every action, style or path we witness through others is or should be, replicated.
‘At the end of the day, we are to hold ourselves accountable for the decisions that we make.’
After receiving a slew of negative comments, the couple then went on to defend the image, insisting that they were ‘super slow and cautious’ when setting up the shot, and adding that they had no fear while doing the stunt because they are ‘full of trust for each other’.
‘It was a blast setting this up,’ Kelly said. ‘Kody had a very good hold of me. We trust each other entirely.
‘It was such an amazing feeling to have this come out exactly as we planned. We are safe and sound.’
Speaking to Business Insider, Kody also fired back at those who slammed him for allowing Kelly to put herself at greater risk for the shot – while his feet remained safely on the ground.
‘What is probably most surprising to any audience is that this photo was actually Kelly’s idea,’ he said. ‘We are both in good shape, we know our bodies and in turn, we know our limits.
‘We had faith in each other and trust to pull this off and so we made the choice as a team to shoot it.’
The travel blogger went on to insist that the photo might appear much more dangerous to some than it actually is, explaining that there was a ‘lip’ on the edge of the pool that gave Kelly a ‘solid grip’. He added that the stunt ‘wasn’t a concern for us at all’.
But the couple’s confidence hasn’t stopped people from criticizing their actions in the comments section of the image, with many people labeling them ‘stupid’ for ‘risking their lives’.
‘Whether there is a pool at the bottom or not, whether this is the Grand Canyon or not, there will be stupid people who don’t have enough strength as these two who will wanna have “cool” Instagram photos and try to replicate something like this, and someone could get seriously hurt or worse!’ one person wrote.
‘I feel like these “influencers” are influencing people to risk their lives for a dangerous photo.’
Another said: ‘You’re teaching other people how to be stupid and risk their life,’ while one person admitted: ‘I love the picture but I don’t think the risk is worth it. Even if it was her idea.’
‘This picture is beautiful, but please don’t do like this anymore, life is too beautiful than lost your life [sic],’ one person said.
And another person commented: ‘Oh my goodness what a daring shot! Of course, you got it perfectly though.’
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