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Natalie Portman and Sacha Baron Cohen under investigation in Australia
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Following public outcry, police are investigating Natalie Portman, her husband Benjamin Millepied, and A-list buddy Sacha Baron Cohen’s lockdown boat ride.
The famous trio was photographed cruising around Sydney’s north shore on a leased boat with each of their children, according to the Daily Mail Australia.
Greater Sydney residents have been instructed to stay at home save for ‘essential’ reasons owing to an alarming outbreak of the extremely contagious Delta strain. Locals were outraged by the high-profile group’s Monday morning activities.
On Friday, a representative for the NSW Police Force confirmed that investigators are investigating the boat trip.
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‘NSW Police have been made aware of community concerns regarding a boat ride and are conducting inquiries into the matter,’ said the spokesperson.
The two families looked to be in excellent spirits as they basked in the winter sun on the city’s northern beaches.
Mr Millepied took the wheel while stars from the critically acclaimed movies Black Swan and Borat looked on.
Natalie Portman And Sacha Baron Cohen Cleared By Police over Sydney lockdown boat trip
After being seen sailing together in lockdown Sydney earlier this week, Australian police have exonerated Natalie Portman, her husband Benjamin Millepied, and friend Sacha Baron Cohen of any wrongdoing.
However, their actions are alleged to have irritated neighbors, as most Sydney residents have been told to stay at home except for “essential” reasons because of a Delta variant outbreak in the region.
Police in New South Wales had previously told the BBC that they were investigating after citizens voiced concerns.
Portman and Cohen were determined to be in compliance with public health requirements after the probe.
A law enforcement source told news.com.au that officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command got information on Monday about a group aboard a boat that was possibly violating public health restrictions.
“Police have reviewed the information and confirmed the activity, and the number of people in the group, complied with the PHOs in force at that time,” the spokesperson continued. “There will be no further police action taken.”
Portman, Millepied, and Cohen can all be seen enjoying the sun on Sydney’s northern beaches, according to photos acquired by Daily Mail Australia.
More images show Millepied at the helm of the boat, with his wife and Cohen looking on.
Locals were enraged by their expedition on social media.
‘So nice that Hollywood celebs get to enjoy Sydney Harbour during lockdown. Had no idea Natalie Portman and Sacha Baron Cohen were from one household…,’ tweeted Australian BBC journalist Frances Mao.
‘Meanwhile, police deploy 100 more officers to south-west Sydney to ensure compliance with rules.’
Ben Grubb, a local journalist, said: “What lockdown? Recreational activities are allowed as part of the sixteen rules but two separate families on a boat?”
Since June 26, Australia’s largest metropolis has been under lockdown to battle a 400-case Delta variant outbreak.
On Friday, the limits were tightened even more after the state reported 44 local daily infections, the worst figure of the year thus far.
Portman is in Australia for the filming of “Thor: Love and Thunder,” while Cohen and his wife Isla Fisher moved to the nation last year.