Instagram 'influencer' charged with endangering life after throwing chairs from 45th floor balcony
A teenage Instagram ‘influencer’ has appeared in court charged with endangering life after allegedly throwing chairs over a 45th floor balcony.
Marcella Zoia was charged with mischief endangering life, mischief damaging property under $5,000 and common nuisance.
The incident, which happened in Toronto, Canada, was filmed on video and sparked widespread outrage after being shared online.
The video showed the chairs being thrown over the balcony and landing near the apartment building’s front entrance.
There were no reports of any injuries, but police have described her 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, 19, has been freed on $2,000 (£1,175) bail but could be sent to prison for the incident.
She was also ordered to live with her mum as part of the bail arrangement.
Detective Todd Higo said Marcella Zoia had turned herself in to the police.
‘She is embarrassed by what happened. She wished it never happened. Of course, she would never wish anyone would be hurt,” said her lawyer, Greg Leslie.
Toronto mayor, John Tory, said: ‘This is irresponsible behaviour that is unacceptable.
‘It was not just a lark gone bad. It was grossly irresponsible behaviour that could have caused serious injury and death.’
Zoia, who is thought to be originally from Brazil, had several thousand followers on her Instagram page but has since deleted it following the incident.
Her actions have been widely criticised with some calling on Zoia to be jailed for a long-time, and others claiming she is enjoying the subsequent attention.
