Laura Anderson has defended her trip to Dubai, after facing backlash online.
The Glasgow native is the latest Love Islander to be slammed for travelling abroad during the pandemic, with many jetting off to the United Arab Emirates city while the UK remains in a strict lockdown.
After receiving criticism on her latest holiday photo uploaded to Instagram, the reality star insisted she was in Dubai “to earn money”, and had been there before the latest lockdown measures were introduced.
The 31-year-old wrote: “The reality for me coming here prior to lockdown just as an FYI was so I could still earn money because I ain’t a millionaire.”
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“I live alone in Glasgow with no family or friends close enough that are allowed to travel to me,” Laura explained.
“So for my own mental health being in Dubai I can be around my family and friends that still live here since I lived here for 8 years prior to Love Island, I still call UAE home.
“I’m definitely not out and about everyday as I need to be on my laptop working and life here is strict but has loosened recently due to a lot worse restrictions than we endured at the start.”
“Some of you many already know this or you may not or you may not care,” she continued.
“Thanks for your energy, I can take the punching bag treatment most of the time and to be honest I’d rather be the person you gave out to.”
In a previous comment, Laura wrote: “Guys I’m sorry to delete negative comments. Some have valid points but I can’t argue everyday.
“I’ve so much to say but I can’t win on such a fragile topic or speak for anyone other than myself.”
Laura also faced backlash last week after “complaining” about Covid restrictions while in Dubai.
The news comes after Dubai was taken off the UK’s travel corridor list, which means anyone arriving from the country from today will have to self-isolate.
A host of other Love Island stars have jetted off to Dubai in recent weeks, including Amber Gill, Demi Jones, and Shaughna Phillips.
