An Australian influencer has been charged with poisoning and torturing her one-year-old daughter to gain donations and social media followers by portraying her child as ill.
Queensland Police have accused the 34-year-old woman of causing her daughter “immense distress and pain” and using the situation to garner sympathy and attention online... Continue reading here ▶
The woman, whose name has not been disclosed, allegedly posted videos of her sick daughter to attract followers.
She faces several serious charges, including five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparing to commit crimes with dangerous substances, and charges of torture, creating child exploitation material, and fraud.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton emphasized the commitment to protecting children, stating, “There is no excuse for harming a child, especially a one-year-old who depends entirely on others for care.”
The alleged abuse was first suspected by hospital staff in Brisbane in October 2024, who noticed inconsistencies with the child’s symptoms and raised alarms about potential poisoning. Police investigations revealed that the woman had been administering outdated and unauthorized medications to her daughter, contrary to medical advice, allegedly to worsen her condition deliberately.
The scheme reportedly earned her about $60,000 AUD (approximately $37,000 USD) in donations, which are now being refunded by GoFundMe.
Police stated, “The content she created exploited the child and was used to attract monetary donations and online followers.”
The woman was arrested after medical tests confirmed the use of unauthorized medications. She is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court. Efforts to reach her attorney for comments have been unsuccessful.
