Disney Star China Anne McClain Told to 'Educate Yourself' by Hawaii Governor After Petting Sleeping Sea Turtles

Mar. 15, 2025

From Left: China Anne McClain; and a green sea turtle.Photo:Disney/Mike Baker via Getty; Alexis Rosenfeld/Getty

Disney/Mike Baker via Getty; Alexis Rosenfeld/Getty

China Anne McClainhas come under fire for touching a sea turtle.

“Aloha China, I urge you to educate yourself on Hawaii’s laws and the importance of protecting our marine life before visiting our islands,” Green’s comment read, according toHawaii News Nowand theNew York Post. “Please delete this video and do better.”

In a statement to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), theDescendantsfranchise actress and Sierra apologized for their behavior and noted that they were unaware of the guidelines on wildlife, and meant no offense to the people and culture of Hawaii.

“Those are never lines that we cross intentionally, so that part of this situation is hurting us right now. I adore these beautiful turtles, and the people of Hawai’i. We’re very sorry,” China said.

Sierra added, “We have an immense amount of respect for the residents of Hawai’i and their intent to safeguard their land & their wildlife, and we plan to take the necessary precautions in the future when traveling.”

Additionally, her father, Michael McClain, said, “We want people to know that China was not aware of the laws, and we appreciate that people and the agencies reached out.”  He added, “All our family loves and respects Hawai‘i and we apologize for inadvertently causing this pain.”

China Anne McClain apologizing for the turtle video.China McClain/Instagram

China McClain/Instagram

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In an apology video posted toInstagramon Wednesday, March 5, McClain shared that the initial clip was a few years old, and she didn’t realize touching the turtles was “not something you’re supposed to be doing.”

“I am so sorry … for touching those turtles. I did not know anything about the guidelines,” she said, adding later, “I’m not shocked I got myself into this situation. If I was going to be in the news for anything, it would be for touching an animal I shouldn’t be touching.”

McClain then noted, “Moral of the story: Do not touch the turtles.”

She also thanked Dan Dennison, the DLNR communications director, for reaching out after the uproar and for being “so informative” and gracious in the process.

“I appreciate China’s kind words. After spending the first 40 years of my career as a television reporter and news director, I’ve had thousands of opportunities to interview people. As such I have a good sense of whether people are being genuine and there’s no doubt China and Sierra McClain, and their father, Michael, were extremely remorseful,” he said in a statement to PEOPLE.

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Dennison continued, “It is distressing to see many people on social media asking for the DLNR to punish them. Clearly these folks failed to read the entire story and grasp the facts. Regrettably, as the McClain’s already know, this is the world we live in, but we hope their experience serves to inform and educate others visiting Hawai’i. Mahalo to them for being so responsive and genuine.”

In a statement to PEOPLE, Gov. Green said, “I appreciate China’s apology and willingness to learn about Hawai‘i’s laws and the importance of protecting our marine life.”

“Education is key to preserving our islands’ natural resources, and I hope this serves as a reminder that all understand and respect our delicate ecosystems. By learning about our laws and cultural values, we can work together to protect Hawai‘i’s environment for future generations,” he continued.

However, any action that may harm the turtle or alter its behaviors could be met with state and/or federal charges, the state of Hawaii said in a press release.

Hawaii also reminded all visitors not to touch, chase, feed, or interfere with adult-hatchling relationships, and to never block the turtles' access to the sea.

source: people.com