A Playboy model has defended herself against critics who lambasted her topless desert images taken in Dubai - insisting she was 'careful to cover her breasts with her hands'.
Luana Sandien (pictured), 27, from Brazil, delighted her 14,600 Instagram followers after sharing a series of photos showing her topless in the middle of a desert in Dubai over the weekend
Luana Sandien, 27, from Brazil, delighted her 14,600 Instagram followers after sharing a series of photos showing her topless in the middle of a desert in Dubai over the weekend.
However, not everyone was impressed with the daring shots. Luana's critics called them 'obscene' and questioned the model's sensitivity to the country's laws around dress code.
Due to the religious nature of Dubai, nudity is frowned upon and topless sunbathing, for example, is considered public indecency and could lead to arrest.
But Luana, who was wearing only white cut-out trousers and a headscarf, claims she didn't 'mean to embarrass anyone' and covered her breasts with her hands to avoid causing offence, according to the Daily Star.
However, not everyone was impressed with the daring shots (above). Luana's critics called them 'obscene' and questioned the model's sensitivity to the country's laws around dress code
However, the model, who stripped half naked in the sand dunes for her post, said she has still been attacked online for her nudity in the three images.
Some fans accused her of 'insulting the signs of state sovereignty', according to Luana, who will soon be published in Playboy Denmark.
She told the publication: 'It was one of the best pictures I've ever taken, but I didn't mean to embarrass anyone.
'I was careful to cover my breasts with my hands, knowing that in the country it is forbidden to be naked, and even so I was threatened by haters.'
Due to the religious nature of Dubai, nudity is frowned upon and topless sunbathing, for example, is considered public indecency and could lead to arrest. Pictured, Luana
But Luana (pictured), who was wearing only white cut-out trousers and a headscarf, claims she didn't 'mean to embarrass anyone' and covered her breasts with her hands to avoid causing offence
Luana captioned the photos in Portuguese, which read: 'The beauty of the desert is that it hides a water well anywhere.'
One of the model's followers questioned why she wasn't arrested for the nudeless posing, to which she replied: 'They let me do whatever I wanted ( I have my charms).'
Luana's comments come after former Love Island star Georgia Steel was slammed by Maldives residents for posing topless for Instagram snaps, according to The Sun.
Luana captioned the photos (above) in Portuguese, which read: 'The beauty of the desert is that it hides a water well anywhere.'
One of the model's (pictured) followers questioned why she wasn't arrested for the nudeless posing, to which she replied: 'They let me do whatever I wanted ( I have my charms).'
The influencer, 22, has been abroad for weeks, claiming to be there 'for work' by posting sultry snaps to social media to advertise brands.
And her latest was a topless snap on Thursday - showcasing just a blue patterned bikini bottom and a sun hat in the photo - which seems to have angered the locals.
The Sun reports that a local source said: 'It may seem strange to Westerners, but coming here and failing to observe our laws and customs is incredibly insulting.
'Influencers who think the Maldives is just a great backdrop for their Instagram should stop and think before one ends up in jail.
Luana's comments come after former Love Island star Georgia Steel (pictured) was slammed by Maldives residents for posing topless for Instagram snaps, according to The Sun
'The resorts could also be in serious trouble if guests like Georgia are found to be generating [nude] images on the premises'.
MailOnline approached Georgia's representatives for comment.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office states of the Maldives: 'Local laws reflect the fact that Maldives is an Islamic country. Violations of local laws may lead to a prison sentence. Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.
'You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.'
- DM