An Australian influencer has been charged by police after she allegedly drugged her own child in hopes of posting the video online to gain followers and donations.
Queensland Police alleged that the 34-year-old woman from Sunshine Coast administered "several unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medicines" to her one-year-old baby girl despite not having medical approval. She would record this in video and post their supposed medical journey online.
"It will be further alleged the woman, disregarding medical advice, went to lengths to obtain unauthorized medicines, including old medicines for a different person available in their home," the Queensland Police said in a statement, as quoted by CNN.
Woman Gives Unauthorized Drugs to 1-Year-Old To Gain Donations
Authorities said the woman, whose identity has not been publicly released, poisoned her one-year-old baby from Aug. 6 to Oct. 15, 2024. Investigators also said the woman subjected her child to immense distress and pain and then filmed it. She would then post the videos online to entice monetary donations and gain online followers.
She had also launched a GoFundMe campaign where she raised about $37,300 (AUD $60,000). The site has since closed the campaign after the allegations came to light. The organization is now attempting to repay the donations, according to BBC News.
She later admitted her child to a hospital, where medical staff reported their suspicions to authorities. The hospital tested the child for unauthorized medicines, and the test returned positive results. She was promptly arrested by detectives, who noted that she worked "carefully" to conceal her actions. Her one-year-old baby was taken into immediate care, per the New York Post.
Her child is now "safe and doing well."
What Charges Will She Face?
The 34-year-old has been charged with five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
The woman is scheduled to attend a hearing at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday. If she is found guilty, it would be the country's first high-profile case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MBSP), which is a disorder wherein a caregiver---typically a parent or guardian--- exaggerates or induces physical or psychological symptoms in a person under their care.
