The two models filmed themselves wearing black trench coats which they then removed to reveal their red bikini bottoms. Video online shows that there were crowds of tourists watching the scene before police intervened. The NZ Herald reported that officers quickly approached the couple as they took off their coats and told them to cover up. A third woman wearing a blazer also joined the social media shoot with the pair and appeared to be in charge of the shoot. Vanessa Lopez, the woman who shot the video, shared the story on her social media page and said a police officer approached them while filming. She told her followers: “We almost got arrested by kids because we did a bikini ad and they said we can’t. “We were like, ‘oh, but it’s a bikini.’ I even said “ma’am it’s because we have a bikini business”. Ms Lopez went on to explain that the police had informed them that in France it is against the law to take semi-nude photos in front of tourist destinations. The incident quickly went viral online, with some believing it was inappropriate. One commenter said: “I don’t understand why they don’t go to the Caribbean or the pool if you want to promote your brand. Now to Paris and worse the Tower. Your content is completely useless.” Some people said the influencers should be “ashamed” of their actions, while others said they “crossed the line.” Another social media user expressed his disapproval and said: “Sometimes there needs to be logic before marketing.” However, the models also have plenty of support and some found the incident amusing. One fan added: “If I had that bikini, that body and the ticket I would too lol AWESOME.” Luane Dias, a Brazilian TV personality, also happened to be at the Eiffel Tower as the incident happened and filmed it on her phone. Taking to social media, she shared the event online and said: “I’m glad I’m not with them.” One of the models involved, Gabriela Versiani, posted a video of herself in a bikini at the Eiffel Tower and revealed that she was taking pictures to promote her swimwear brand, Versiani Swim. In the caption, she wrote: “In Paris we use VS @versianiswim.”
