Partygoer ‘not proud’ of actions, goes to police
AUCKLAND: A Hamilton man who attended an Auckland party that breached lockdown rules says he has been inundated with hate messages, but understands why and handed himself in to police.
Jaydn McCarthy was one of about 50 people who attended the North Shore party on Saturday night, a move that angered not only neighbours who had to deal with the noise but many in wider Auckland who have been following rules.
“I knew what I was doing was breaching the law of the Covid restrictions which is something that I’m not proud of,” the 23yearold model said yesterday.
“All I can really do is say how sorry I am and sincerely apologise to all the communities, the households for being at that party.
‘‘I know my actions were irresponsible and placed a lot of people at risk.’’
Mr McCarthy has been criticised online after a video he filmed on the night showing people drinking, dancing and kissing, with some gyrating together on a table, began circulating online.
He said he had been in Auckland since Wednesday to help with his family’s business.
“I was a little bit nervous about going . . . but I still went.
‘‘It was a selfish act at the end of the day.”
Mr McCarthy, who has had both vaccinations, said he did not know the people who hosted the party but went there with friends about 8pm or 9pm after being at an earlier barbecue at the Sugartree building in central Auckland.
The party was shut down after Auckland Council noise control officers turned up about 2am.
Police also attended at 4am but most people had already left.
Since his name became public Mr McCarthy has received “hundreds” of hate messages and racist comments, some involving threats to his family.
“It does make me regret what I’ve done and really think about it and how much risk I’ve put on New Zealanders who have been trying hard to eliminate the whole Covid situation.
‘‘Here’s me coming along and just thinking I can do what I want.
‘‘It’s understandable. I understand people are frustrated and what I did, it’s not right.”
Mr McCarthy said he went to the Auckland Central police station on Sunday to report his actions.
“I turned myself in, told them what happened and they said most likely I will be fined and that’s something I was all good with because I have to stand up and take responsibility for my actions.”
He has also had a Covid test and is in selfisolation with a relative pending those results.
Mr McCarthy, who was dropped from KAM Talent yesterday, is not the only partygoer to be criticised for breaking the rules.
Model Charlie Wilson was yesterday dropped from agency Verano Management and another partygoer went online to say she was receiving a lot of hate for attending the party.
Police last night arrested a 28yearold man who allegedly held the gathering and charged him with failing to comply with the Covid19 Public Health Response Order.
He will appear in court later this week.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday labelled the party goers’ actions ‘‘a blatant breach of the rules’’. —