French Stuntwoman Faces Backlash for Dangerous Ocean Video

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 6:27 PM ET

Ferdinand Magellan, the sixteenth century Portuguese explorer most famed for accomplishing the first circumnavigation of the earth, is attributed with a quote that goes something like this: "The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason for remaining ashore."

When it comes to naval exploration, and mapping our modern-day understanding of the earth’s geography, the quote is appropriate. However, in terms of everyday citizens taking on the power of the ocean willy-nilly, not so much.

Take, for example, French social media influencer and stuntwoman Cleopatre Thomas. In a recent video posted to her nearly one million followers, the armchair acrobat (and a few friends) place themselves in a seriously precarious position amidst some wild ocean conditions. And people in the comments were quick to condemn the actions.

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A post shared by Cléopâtre (@cleoppatre)

Comments on the video included:

“I know someone personally who died like this. But who didn't make a video for like. A mother who had children. I love what you do, your personality etc. but this video is a looser [sic].”

“You didn't just play, you challenged something beyond your control. And without humility in front of nature, it is not courage, it is just unconsciousness.”

“Donkeys in one video. You are not only putting yourself in danger, you are driving danger to your community especially the younger ones who will want to copy your same foolishness. In addition to that, you can also put the rescue team at risk for scratching Instagram likes. How sad, how futile.”

In her defense, most of Thomas’ videos are dangerously dumb. It's not just this one. They include, but are not limited to, videos of her hanging onto a jetski as it rips away at high speeds, her jumping from one moving motorcycle onto another, her holding onto a car with nothing but shoes on her feet as it speeds wildly down a snowy road.

She is impressive, but reckless. Somewhere between the intersection of skill and stupidity.

Thoughts? Is this reckless behavior warranted?

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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