MAFS star Ella Ding has received major backlash after posting a photo of herself posing in front of a temple in Bali wearing a bikini and transparent netted dress.

The reality star shared the photo to her Instagram page and captioned the pic, “I miss you so much everyday at moment bali. I have come back this new version of me. Unlocked a place in my soul I didn’t know I had, we are always growing and learning, and reflecting.”

The post continued, “I can admit to myself I wish I did somethings differently this year, and I personally think the first best thing for growth is admitting to yourself where you have gone wrong and why you think that, and how you can make amends with the people or who your actions effected. We are not perfect, we are imperfectly perfect & as humans we are all just figuring it out.”

While Ella defended the photo by commenting that it was taken at a temple inside a beach club in Bali, it’s considered highly disrespectful to be near Indonesian temples without your shoulders and upper legs covered. Temples are erected inside restaurants, beach clubs, and villas so that the Indonesian staff can pray and present daily offerings to their gods.

Love Film & TV?

Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

Many of Ella’s followers took to the comments section of her latest post to criticise her over her revealing outfit.

“This image is so incredibly disrespectful to the people and culture you say you miss. Awful,” one wrote.

Another commented, “Ok I love you @ellamayding but Beach club or not I think glorifying and sexualising a sacred tradition regardless of where it is, is what would be upsetting people.”

“Balinese people offer thanks multiple times a day. Their statues may be situated in a place where Aussies visit. No excuse or justification, it’s fucked up.”

Ella responded to some of the negative comments defending her choice to post in front of the temple because of its location.

“I guess because it was taken at the beach club and these little spots to say a pray were scattered around the location! I can see it’s upset people and obviously not the intention. If my healer can comment on it and not feel offended then I feel okay about it!” She wrote.

For more on this topic, follow the Reality TV Observer.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine