Questions raised over MAFS stars' sponsored trip to Bali for 'Barbie waist' surgery - as two brides back out and crew distance themselves from what has been branded a huge PR stunt

A controversial influencers' trip to Bali promoting 'Barbie waist' surgery has raised questions about whether the whole thing was just a giant PR stunt after MAFS brides Bec Zacharia and Awhina Rutene both failed to make it to the operating table. 

The sponsored campaign, which included flying a group of reality stars and content creators to the Indonesian island to promote the procedure, generated weeks of headlines after Bec documented every emotional twist and turn of her decision to go under the knife. 

Former Bachelor star Monique Morley and influencer Carly Ellen also went on the trip and ultimately underwent the surgery.

But it was Bec and Awhina who became the faces of the surgery, dominating headlines and sparking fierce debate online.

After weeks of posting about her journey on social media, Bec initially pulled out at the eleventh hour before later announcing she had changed her mind and would proceed. 

She told her followers she had realised she felt 'disappointed' rather than relieved after cancelling and insisted the decision was entirely her own. 

'I have thought about this long and hard… I've decided that I do. So I will be going ahead with the procedure,' she said.

Yet after her scheduled surgery date, Bec suddenly went quiet on social media, fuelling speculation among followers over whether she had ultimately gone through with it.

The silence prompted concern from fans before she resurfaced with a statement asking for privacy.

'Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out with messages of kindness, love and concern for me. Your support truly means more than you know,' she wrote.

'I want to reassure everyone that I am OK. I've always chosen to be transparent with you all and that will never change. I assure you I will share an update soon.'

She added: 'For this short period of time… I'm respectfully asking for a little privacy.'

Several sources have told Daily Mail they believe Bec has yet to undergo the surgery, but remains in Bali until the end of the month.

Meanwhile, fellow MAFS bride Awhina revealed she never made it to the operating table at all.

In a video posted to social media on Tuesday, she explained her surgery had been delayed after complications involving the newly-opened Bali hospital.

'I have been flooded with messages from you all asking about surgery,' she said.

'I said I would update you guys before and after surgery. Unfortunately, surgery got pushed back.

'It's a brand-new hospital in Bali. But I had to fly home. I just couldn't swing staying longer, and Lennon was missing me for sure, and I'd been away for eight days already.'

Awhina insisted she still planned to return later this year.

'But I am rebooking. I am looking at later in the year, and when I do go back, obviously I'll bring you guys all along for that journey,' she added.

She also encouraged followers with questions about the operation to speak with other women on the trip who had completed the procedure.

The unusual outcome has fuelled speculation online, particularly given Bec and Awhina were the biggest names promoting the trip.

Ironically, the pair attracted vastly more attention than the influencers who actually underwent the surgery.

Leading up to her planned procedure, Bec spoke about her issues with her body image in a series of interviews with podcaster Josh Fox, but on the day of the surgery, said she would need extra time to decide if she was going to get it done.

Fox denied being paid by the clinic to promote the operation and said he was only there to document the process. 

Bec's hesitation also sparked criticism from fellow MAFS alum Domenica Calarco, who commented online: 'Ohh, I get it now. Just another PR ploy to fix her public perception.'

Fox sought to distance himself from the controversy as criticism surrounding the campaign intensified.

Throughout the backlash, Bec repeatedly denied she was pressured into having it done.

'The company that's brought me out here isn't pressuring me saying, 'You've got to get it done,' she previously said.

'I have the full ability to make that decision as to whether or not it's something that aligns with me.'

She also addressed the abuse she received online after announcing the procedure.

'I also want to address some of the commentary that has emerged online,' she said.

'Healthy discussion and differing opinions are part of public life, and I respect that not everyone will agree with my choices. However, the level of personal attacks, bullying and abuse directed at me says far more about the character of those making those comments than it does about mine.

'I believe every person has the right to make informed decisions about their own body without being subjected to harassment or cruelty. Whether I ultimately choose to proceed or not, that decision will be mine alone.

'As someone documenting this journey publicly, I remain committed to sharing an honest and transparent account of my experience. If I proceed, I will speak openly about the process. If I choose not to proceed, I will be equally honest about that decision.'

The controversial surgery, which is not currently available in Australia, uses ultrasonic technology to reshape the lower floating ribs in an effort to create the appearance of a dramatically narrower waist without removing the bones.

While it has surged in popularity among influencers travelling to Bali, it has also attracted criticism from medical experts and social media users, who argue it promotes unrealistic beauty standards.