A social media influencer, known as a TikToker, issued an apology following backlash for transporting a bathtub up Pen Y Fan, a prominent mountain in South Wales, for a world record attempt and abandoning it at the summit. Tom Christopher, 25, from Wales, took the tub to the 2,907ft peak to set a record for the world’s highest bath and indulged in a soak before descending without the tub.
After facing criticism, Tom expressed regret for the controversial stunt, which led to negative reactions from a group of rugby players who deemed his actions thoughtless. He left the bathtub on the mountain for 48 hours, citing it was for a charitable cause and to allow others to enjoy the experience, a decision that was met with disapproval from the public.
The incident particularly angered a group of rugby players who, believing the tub was left as litter, took it upon themselves to remove it from the peak. Tom acknowledged his error, admitting he should have promptly retrieved the tub and expressing remorse for his oversight.
Despite the public outcry, Tom defended his actions, claiming they were for a noble cause, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment. However, a local rugby team discovered the abandoned bathtub during a volunteer activity and descended the peak with it. Tom learned later that the tub had been disposed of by National Trust rangers.
In response to the incident, Cardiff Rugby Academy shared images of the team carrying the tub down the mountain, questioning the decision to leave it at the summit. Tom, inspired to achieve a unique record, purchased a new bathtub and hauled it up Pen Y Fan to film a video of himself enjoying a bath while watching the sunset.
Following the video’s viral success, Tom received numerous requests from individuals to leave the tub on the mountain for communal use. Overwhelmed by the positive response, he left the tub temporarily but intended to retrieve it after 48 hours. However, some criticized his actions as potentially constituting fly-tipping in a scenic area, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior in natural environments.