Bali Police Arrest British Sex Worker Bonnie Blue Amid Controversy

British sex worker Bonnie Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, was arrested last week in Bali for allegedly producing pornography, a serious offense in Indonesia. The arrest took place at a studio villa in the suburb of Pererenan, where police also apprehended 15 Australians and two British men, all linked to her activities.

According to reports from News.com.au, an unnamed expatriate in Bali provided crucial information to local authorities, detailing how they tracked Blue’s movements. The individual explained, “The way we tracked her wasn’t particularly complicated; we just followed her through her gang bang bus.” Initially, police struggled to comprehend the situation but were eventually informed that Blue was allegedly engaging in sexual activities with multiple men and promoting these acts publicly.

The legal implications for Blue are severe. If convicted under Law Number 44 of 2008, which addresses pornography, she could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 6 billion rupiah (approximately $542,000). Additionally, prosecutors may invoke Indonesia’s ITE Law, which governs electronic information and transactions, carrying potential penalties of up to 12 years imprisonment and a fine of 12 billion rupiah (around $1,084,000). The two British men arrested with her, who are reportedly her videographers, may face similar charges.

The informant expressed concerns about the impact of Blue’s activities on Bali’s reputation, stating, “Bali is not Thailand. Bali is not the Philippines. The business community doesn’t want it, the expat community doesn’t want it, and the local community can’t even comprehend it.” They emphasized that while personal choices behind closed doors are acceptable, public displays of such activities are not suitable for the island’s cultural environment.

Despite the arrests, 14 of the 15 Australian men, believed to be tourists, were released shortly after being detained. Their passports are currently held by immigration authorities as they are considered witnesses in the case. Blue, along with one unidentified Australian and the two British men, was conditionally released over the weekend. Local media reported that they will be interviewed again by police in the coming days.

Blue’s spokesperson confirmed, “She has been released, she’s co-operating with authorities, and the police are continuing to investigate.” The situation has drawn significant attention, highlighting the ongoing complexities of tourism, legality, and cultural values in Bali.

As local authorities continue their investigation, the case raises questions about the balance between tourism and local customs, as well as the global implications of online adult content.