26-12-2023 (JAKARTA) An incident involving two foreign tourists in Bali, Indonesia, has ignited a social media storm after CCTV footage surfaced, capturing a heated dispute and physical altercation with local salon workers over fees.
The salon owners, Ombre Nails Studio, initially shared the CCTV recording of the incident, which was subsequently reposted on various social media platforms, including the Instagram page Hallo.Denpasar. In the footage, 37-year-old Chansler A. from New York, USA, is seen engaged in a verbal exchange with a salon worker before a tug-of-war ensues over payment.
The salon worker asserts that Chansler must settle the bill, leading to a forceful pull that results in Chansler falling backward into a table. At this point, the second tourist, identified as 37-year-old British national Andrea CW, intervenes and vociferously confronts the staffer. Andrea insists that she is attempting to provide the payment and accuses the salon of holding her hostage.
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In a scathing online post, Ombre Nails Studio recounts that the two customers sought treatment at their studio, were informed of the prices, but refused to pay. The salon alleges that the customers resorted to blackmail, threatening to leave a negative review if pressured to pay, and subjected the staff to verbal abuse. The studio claims to have recorded evidence, which is now in the hands of their legal counsel, and a police report has been filed.
The studio further accuses the tourists of attempting to pilfer money from the cash register, causing physical and mental distress to their staff. Expressing concern for the well-being of their team, the studio hopes for the apprehension of the two individuals to facilitate an apology to the affected workers.
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According to reports from News.com.au, local authorities apprehended the two tourists after the incident gained widespread attention. The arrest occurred as they attempted to board a plane to Thailand via I Ngurah Rai International Airport on December 16. Airport immigration officers became suspicious due to the tourists wearing hats and masks in what appeared to be an attempt to deceive. Subsequent identification from the CCTV video led to their handover to the police.
Originally planning to stay in Bali until December 22, the duo decided to leave Indonesia following the incident. However, their departure may be prolonged, as they now face charges under Section 1, Article 351 of the Indonesian Penal Code, carrying a potential sentence of up to two years and eight months in jail if convicted.
