Instagram influencer sparks outrage and criminal charges for throwing chair off high-rise balcony
A teenage social media influencer appeared in court on Wednesday after a video of her throwing a chair off a 45th-floor balcony circulated over the weekend.
Marcella Zoia, 19, was charged with common nuisance, mischief endangering life and mischief damaging property under $5,000.
A video of the incident, which happened in Toronto, sparked widespread outrage after it was shared online.
The video shows Zoia throwing the chair off the balcony and the chair landing near the apartment building’s entrance.
There were no reports of any injuries, but police have described Zoia’s actions as an “abhorrent act” and “very callous.”
The apartment where the incident took place was reportedly an Airbnb rental unit, according to Canadian media.
Zoia has been freed on $2,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on March 22, People reports.
She was also ordered to live with her mom as part of the bail arrangement.
Det. Todd Higo said Zoia had turned herself in to the police.
Her lawyer, Greg Leslie, said she’s “embarrassed by what happened.”
“She wished it never happened,” he said. “Of course, she would never wish anyone would be hurt.”
Toronto Mayor John Tory said the teen’s behavior was “irresponsible” and “unacceptable.”
“It was not just a lark gone bad,” Tory said. “It was grossly irresponsible behavior that could have caused serious injury and death.”
Zoia, who had several thousand followers on Instagram, deleted her social media account following the incident.
Her actions have been widely criticized, with some calling for Zoia to be jailed and others claiming she is enjoying the subsequent attention.
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