Life Uncut - "I Was Almost Human Trafficked in Paris” - Uncut with Djanaya Hampton

Episode Date: August 20, 2026

Today we're speaking to Djanaya Hampton, the Australian woman you've probably already seen going viral online. Every year, Djanaya Hampton takes herself on a solo birthday trip. It’s her own tradition, ticking off a bucket list she made years ago. It had always been safe. It had always been beautiful. Until her 29th birthday, when a night watching the sunset under the Eiffel Tower turned into hours of being followed, surrounded and hunted through the Paris metro by a group of men who were trying to traffic her. Djanaya walks us through the entire night in real time from the "harmless" photo request that was actually the first red flag, the moment she watched money change hands, losing them on one train only to have them get on the next, and the stranger on a near-empty carriage who may have saved her life. We also talk about what happened after: the Australian Embassy telling her she needed to leave the country immediately, what it really means to be "on the black market," and the wave of support, and disbelief, she's faced since sharing her story. Djanaya shares: Why she started solo-travelling for her birthday every year, and the countries she'd been to before Paris The exact moment she first felt something was wrong — before she could even explain why What it's like to realise, in real time, that you're being followed by multiple people How a stranger who happened to speak Spanish became the reason she got out safely What the Australian Embassy told her about being "on the black market" Why she waited over a year to share her story, and the response since The other survivor stories she's been sent since going viral Britt's own close call in Medellín, Colombia Timestamps 00:00 – Introducing Djanaya and her solo birthday travel tradition 05:06 – Her 29th birthday at the Eiffel Tower, and the men who approached her 08:50 – The "let's take a photo" moment that set off alarm bells 13:44 – Followed and surrounded on the Paris metro 27:46 – Going to the Australian Embassy 36:48 – Going viral, and the wave of messages from other survivors 38:43 – Britt's own close call in Colombia Follow Djanaya on Instagram: @dijonnai___ You can watch our episode with Lurata Lyon here Keep your questions coming! Slide into the Life Uncut DMs at @lifeuncutpodcast on Instagram You can watch us on Youtube Join us on tiktok Or join the Facebook Discussion Group Hosted by Britt Hockley & Laura Byrne Produced by Keeshia Pettit Video Produced by Vanessa Beckford & Lachy Pugsley Tell your mum, tell your dad, tell your dog, tell your friend and share the love because WE LOVE LOVE! Xx  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi guys and welcome back to another episode of Life Uncut. I'm Brittany. I'm Laura. And today we have a guest that most of you may have seen going viral online at the moment, but this is a pretty harrowing and I would say unfathomable story. Today we're speaking to an Australian woman named Jena Hampton. And now Jenaa originally grabbed my attention with one of her reels online where she was talking about a horrific story that happened to her in Paris. So every year Janaya goes on like a solo trip to celebrate her birthday. And this particular story happened on her 29th birthday. And for many, many years, she's been on her own without anything happening. And this one trip almost changed the trajectory of her life. She was almost abducted and trafficked. And even

just saying that sentence gives me goosebumps all over, especially as a woman that has traveled the world on her own as well. I think it's wonderful that Janaya is out there advocating and sharing her story. It has taken her over a year to share her story for a multitude of reasons. One, of course, is her own safety. But Janaya is joining us today to continue that story and raise awareness. Janaya, thank you for coming to Life Uncutt. Thank you. Tell us a little bit about, I mean, you know, you've been solo traveling for a really long time and this has been something that you did for your own celebrations. Talk to us about like where that started and why it was important to you to go on your own in the first place. I guess it just started with

one of my birthdays and I was like, oh, life's too short, and I've always wanted to do these things and go these places, but just not having anyone to go with. And always being like, oh, I can't go because I don't have someone. And I was like, you know what? I can go. Like, everyone goes solo. So many people like it's so popular these days. I'm fine.

I'm safe. It'll be fine. So I decided to go make myself a promise every year to pick some of my bucket list. So I made a bucket list. I picked somewhere in my bucket list that I'd go every year. So I've been to Turkey, the Bahamas, just places that I wanted to go. like Turkey, I went hot air ballooning and did like... Capadocia.

Yep. Done that. The normal things, like the touristy. The gorgeous Instagram pictures. Yes. Like just stunning. So I'm like, yep, going to do that every year. And yeah, that's where it started.

Has there ever been a time prior to this, which we're about to talk about, that you've ever felt unsafe while you've been travelling solo? No. Probably the one place that I was hesitant to go to was Turkey. That was probably my most scared trip to go to. Because I was like, I've heard things. I don't know the country. I just heard a lot of things about it

and I was like really hesitant and really scared to get there but once I got there so I didn't stay in Istanbul I went to Capadocia and did like the hot air ballooning there as soon as I got there like everyone was just so lovely and so welcoming I think that's my favourite trip to date like that's one of my favourite ones and I just felt so safe and everyone was like so nice around me like I had three people buy me birthday cakes on my birthday the cafe that I went to regularly like had me come there

and like they sang happy birthday. One of the guys I did a tour with, he ended up being like, oh, because we did quad biking and he's like, oh, you're Australian. You obviously know how to ride a bike? He's like, do you want to like go away from the group? You're going to love adventure? Yeah, I'm like, of course. He's like, because most of the people that come on this tour don't know how to drive a quad bike.

So he's like, yep, let's go. And I'm just so trusting because I'm like, yeah, let's go. Like 100%. It's also fascinating though, because it's, you know, you even say that. And I think about traveling in my 20s and I think about traveling even in my 30s and like how careless with my own safety I was. But when you describe that now and like as a mom, I'm like, oh my God, you know, things that can be framed as kindness and as niceties can also be the instances where you were most at risk of

something bad happening. So being on this tour and a guy going like, hey, you want to come cord biking on your own, I'm like, that's an alarm bell and a time when you say no when you're a female solo traveler. Yes. Looking back on it, I'm like, was I silly? It's upsetting and it's crazy, right? Because I take my hat off to you and I feel like I see myself in you. I'm older than you.

I'm 10 years older than you. I spent my whole 20s traveling and a lot of the time on my own. Like I've done over 60 countries. And I look back at the things that I did and I can nearly have an aneurysm. 39-year-old Brittany is not doing what 26-year-old Brittany was doing. But at the time, and as much as you just said, Laura, like there's alarm bells. you know, someone's going, come this way with me on a quad bike for an adventure, of course it could be something nasty, or it could just be somebody being really nice and a tour guide going above

and beyond and doing his job. And it just sucks as a woman that every single thing that is offered to us, we have to question the intentions behind somebody. And I know you just said, Turkey, you felt so safe. I also had zero problems in Turkey. But I think the thing that we forget is every country has dangers, every single country. And I know we're going to be talking about trafficking. Trafficking happens here in Australia. Like, it really does happen everywhere. And I guess the idea is that you need to be putting an extra layer on everything

that you look at and every decision that you make. Let's go to the night before your birthday, your 29th birthday. You're in Paris. Talk us through what happened because that's where it all unraveled. Yes. So every night before my birthday, I like to go and watch. the sun set. I like to sit there, pray, and just say thanks for another year. Like, I can't believe I'm turning 29. I can't believe I've made another year. So I'm sitting, I went and got a few

little knick-knacks, like snacks and stuff, sat under the Eiffel Tower and I was like, beautiful. I watched the sun go down and then I hadn't watched the lights come on yet. So I was like, this is going to be so special, like crazy. So I was sitting there and the sun doesn't go down for so long. I said in my video winter, but obviously it wasn't winter there because I was like, it's like 10 p.m. It wasn't snowing. Yeah. So I was sitting there from about. I reckon it was like 7pm and I was like oh yeah like it'll be fine it'll go down soon but it just took forever and in that time I had the guys that go around the Eiffel Tower they sell things so they

were coming over to me trying to sell me alcohol and stuff like that and I'm like no I'm fine I ended up buying some little fridge magnets and stuff like that and then I was sitting there and the sun was just just about to go down I reckon maybe it was like I don't even know it was probably not even near the time because by the time I got on the train it was damn. So these two guys walked in front of me and walked over and sat just to the left of me. And he caught my eye because he had this beautiful two-piece track suit set on. Like it was some designer brand and I was like, oh my gosh, that's so nice. And then he looked at me and smiled and I was like, he's stunning.

Like he's beautiful. So I would smile back at anyone. But I smiled back and then that got his attention and got him to like suss that I was by myself. So by all accounts, was he like, what? age, which you say he is. Like, obviously you said he's beautiful. Was he just a very good looking young man? Yes. Yeah, I reckon he was, I have a feeling he was older than me, or maybe my age. So then that enticed him to come over. And he come over and he just started speaking French. And I just let him speak, because he spoke like a lot. And then I was like, so sorry, I have no

idea what you're saying. I don't speak French. And he's like, oh, you speak English. And I was like, oh, you speak English. And he's like, oh, only a little bit. He's like, where are you from? How old are you? Do you have kids? Do you have a partner? Are you here? somebody and at that time like usually when people come over and they ask me things like that nine times out of ten I'll be like oh like yeah I'm solo traveling but I just had this gut feeling and I was just like oh no my friend's really sick she's back in the hotel because I think it was after because he's seen my ring and he was like is that like a wedding ring are you married and I was like oh not yet which is not a lie yeah I was like not yet did you feel as though when you say

you would normally just say that you're solo traveling And in this instance, something felt a bit different. Was it the line of questioning that felt specific? Like, what was it that made it feel different to other conversations you'd had? It was definitely the line of conversations, like the line of questions. Because it was like, why are you pushing so much and why are you asking me so much if I'm alone? Right. Because usually a person that is genuinely curious about if you're traveling alone,

they're like, are you solo traveling? And then they wouldn't ask again, like, are you by yourself? That was a bit off to me and asking if I'm married and then pushing that. Oh, well, do you have a boyfriend? and stuff like that. Like really establishing how alone you are. Yeah. And I was like, yeah, my best friend constantly,

I'm actually taking her back some food. She knows that I'm coming back. It's literally a train of thought to establish who's going to notice and how quickly will they notice if you disappear. Yes. Yeah. And then he asked for my number and I was like, oh, no, sorry, I don't give my number out. It's like, okay, that's fine.

He's like, well, we should get a photo together. And I was like a photo, which is also just weird. So strange. I was like, I've never had this before. That's when red flags. started going inside of me because I was like, oh no, I'm okay, thanks. And then his friend would come around to the front of us and was just taking photos. I put my hand on my face so he couldn't take photos of my face.

And then he's like, oh, no, no, no, come on. And he like lifted me up and pulled me around. So we were then facing the guy and the Eiffel Tower was in the back. And he's like, come on, it'll be such a beautiful photo. And I'm like, how am I even going to get these photos? For one, and for two, why do you want a photo with me? You don't even know me. And he has me under his arm.

and he's like, it'll be so cute. And I'm just like, no, no, no, it's fine. But his friends just constantly taking photos. And I'm like, oh, I'm actually going to leave soon. And then he's like, oh, we're leaving as well. You should come with us. We're actually having a party. And taken, just come to my head, the movie.

It's all in my head. It's all in my head. Like, you're so fine. They're just being kind. Like, they're just being nice. It's okay. And I was like, oh, no, I don't drink. I'm so sorry.

I'm actually, you know, and I love spending my birthday by myself as well. So I was like, I don't want the clock to dig over and I'll be with it. somebody. I don't want to be here with these random dudes who I respect my personal space. Yeah, legit. I'm like, no, thanks. But I was like, no, I don't drink. I'm so fine. Thank you anyways. And they're like, oh, no, come on. You don't have to drink. It'll be a great way to meet people. You by yourself. There'll be so many people there and you can come with us and it'll be so fun. And I was like, oh, no, I'm fine. Like, I'm so fun. It's actually my birthday tomorrow. And I want to get up and watch the sunrise and go do all the fun things around Paris. And he's like,

damn, are you sure? Like, come on. Just come with us. And I was like, oh, I'm actually going to go. I'm actually going to go now. And he's like, oh, we're going too. And I was like, I'm actually going soon. And I sat back down because I was like, okay, if you guys are going, you go. Please go. Please leave me alone. In the time that he asked for my phone number, he then asked for my Instagram.

And I was like, yeah, anyone can have my Instagram. I don't really care. I was like, yeah, sure. I have my Instagram. And then so he took my Instagram. He's like, okay, beautiful, I can now message you. I might see you later. And I was like, oh, might not.

Who knows? And then they left, but they walked over to the guy that was selling me fridge magnets and I could see them a little bit just over and he gave him money and I was like that's strange. If you're from Paris, why are you buying stuff? But he didn't get anything from him and he pointed at me and then my heart sank. I remember it being warm. Like I was in like a dress so it wasn't cold and my body just went into shock. Like I've never felt it in my life. I was stone cold. I started shaking. So I facetre my best friend and I luckily she answered because it would have been like ridiculous hour in Australia. I don't even know what time it would have been. And thank, thank God.

Thank God she answered. And I just told her everything and she's like, I'm freaking out. And I was like, look, I think it's all in my head. It's fine. I just wanted to update you. Just to let you know I'm freaking out. She's like, I can tell. She's like, you're shaking. And I was like, but they're gone now. So I'm sure it's going to be fine. Did they see that you saw that exchange? So were they trying to make this exchange secretly where he took money and pointed to you? Did he clock that that you saw that? Like, what was that moment like? Yeah, no. I don't think he knew that I saw it, because he acted like he was just talking to him and shook his hand and stuff like that. But I already seen him give the money and point to me. And then I was like, this is so off.

It's so off. Did the person that you were buying the magnets from, the person we had this exchange with, did he stay? Was he there that whole time? The whole time. Right. But that wasn't suss because like it was obviously... He's working. He's working and he's getting. But the fact that he, because the whole time I was there, he was working and walking all the way down. Like, there was so many people. He's trying to make a living and walk down to everybody. But after that exchange, he didn't leave anywhere that he couldn't have me in his sight. So, like, he had me in his sight.

And he kept looking at me the whole time. So then I let my best friend know. And she's like, let me know when you get home. Call me because it'll be the time she's getting ready for work by the time I get home. And so for home for you there, was it like, you have to get the metro where you're walking? and was an Uber. Yes, so I got the metro the whole time because it was so close. I think it was like three stops away from the Eiffel Tower.

So I was like, oh, it's so easy. Where if I got an Uber, it was going to be like over $100 each way. So then once I seen that he was watching me, I was like, okay, I'm going to try and lose him. So I walked around the Eiffel Tower to try and get rid of him and make sure he wasn't following me. And then while I was walking around, I made sure that there was no one behind me. I was like, okay, I'm not going to go to the train.

I'm actually going to go into, like, try and find a cafe that's open or a restaurant. or a restaurant. So the cafe that I went to in the morning for breakfast, I was like, I'm pretty sure that turns into a restaurant. So I walked down and around and ended up going to the restaurant. And I walked in and they were like, oh, like, do you want to sit down and blah, blah, blah. And I grabbed it. And I was like, oh, look, I think someone's following me.

But I don't know. And he's like, come sit. Here's a menu. If you need anything, let us know. If you need us to call you an Uber, we can call you a taxi or anything like that. And I was like, okay, thank you so much. and I sat down and I was like, oh, like, I think it's all in my head. Surely it's all in my head. There's no way this would happen. So I sat there and I was like, okay, I haven't seen anyone come in, walk around, look for me.

By that point, it had been like an hour. So I was like, they would have gone. They've gone to their party. I can just leave now. So then I walked out, walked down, because just down was the metro. So I went, got my ticket, walked down, got on the train. There was like nobody on there. There was one person when I got on that was facing the opposite way because we're all facing. that way. And then it was like one minute until it was leaving. And then once it was doors closing, the doors were then just about to close. And the guy that was under the Eiffel Tower with his mate that was talking to me jumped on with five other guys and two girls. Oh my God. And my heart just dropped. I was just like, no, no, no, no, no. Maybe they're going to the party altogether. But then he got on the friend and he got on first and walked past me and goes, yeah, she's here in English.

and I was like, why are you saying that in English? Like, I didn't even know you could speak English because you didn't speak a word to me when you were under the Eiffel Tower because it was all the friend. My heart just started racing and I was like, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh. And then he went and sat two seats in front of me sitting that way. So sitting the opposite way. And then the friend that was talking to me, I was like, okay, maybe he's going to speak to me.

Maybe he'll sit next to me. Like, who knows? Like you were speaking to me so much, said nothing, not a word to me. Got on, looked at me and then sat with his friend. And then the other guys guarded the door. One of the girls stayed up there. One of the girls come and sat on the seat because the seats were facing each other, sat on the left. So they were surrounding you.

Yeah, surrounding me because they were obviously there if I went that way to that door. She was there with her feet up and then they were on the back door. So I phased her my best friend straight away. Was there anyone else on your carriage? There was only one other person and they were like all the way down the end. So they couldn't even see me because they were facing the other way. So I faced time my best friend and I was like, oh my gosh, like they've followed me. And she just started crying.

She's like, no, they didn't. No, they didn't. And I was like, yes. And then I told her everything that had happened. And she was like, I can't believe it. Are they listening to you have this conversation and just, they just don't care? Yeah. Yeah, 100%.

And a few people that have commented on my video have said, you being on FaceTime probably saved you as well. Because them knowing that someone is going to know exactly when you, hang up that phone will be alarm bells. Like that's someone knowing that you're, something's happened. Something's wrong. So you then, yeah, I stayed on the phone to her and she's like, you need to get off at a busy station. Next stop is Notre Dame. It's so busy 24-7. Like there's so many people going in and out of there. I'll get off there. So I got off. They all got off and they all surrounded me all in different spots. On the platform. Yep, on the platform. Because Notre Dame,

you have to go under tunnels to get out. So I was like, there's no way. No way I'm going out there and getting grabbed. Like, that'll be such an easy target for them just to easily take me and drag me somewhere and get me out. So I was like, I'm not leaving. So I went and I wedged myself between, there was heaps of people sitting on the, on like the seats. And I wedge myself between two people. And I was just like, excuse me, like, is there any chance you can help me? And she was like, and then I asked the guy next to me. I was like, can you please help me? And he was like, oh, no English. And I'm like, okay, I don't know what to do. You've asked two people for help. The woman said no. Yeah, she's just like, and I'm like, oh my gosh, surely someone speaks English, surely.

So I sat there for a while, I sat there for about maybe half an hour, 40 minutes until I got on the next train. And then I got onto the next train and before the doors were closing, I jumped off. So I lost a few of them and I was like, okay, I don't know where they are now, though. I have a feeling there was like one, but I was like, I don't know now. Like I just generally don't know. So then I waited for the next train to come. So I got on to the next one and luckily the next one, my stop, stop. Like it stopped going to my stop after that.

But now looking back, it was such a blessing in disguise because if I would have got off at my stop, they would have known where I was staying. Well, they would follow, just following. A hundred percent because my plan was to get off and then get an Uber, which wasn't far, but just to get an Uber back. But thank goodness the trains weren't stopping there because then I ended up having to go But in the moment, I just started freaking out. I was like, this is just my luck.

Like, I don't know what to do now. Like, I don't know where to go. So I got on the next train. I sat at the only seat. There was one seat that was against the wall and then the doors were either side. Has your brain switched gears now from an hour ago thinking, I'm imagining this. At this point, are you like, without doubt, I am fearing for my life. Like, this is, there are no questions asked here.

Yeah, 100%. As soon as they, as soon as he got on the train. and didn't speak a word to me, that's when my alarm bells went off and went, I'm in trouble. Like, I'm in so much trouble. Because even if you guys were going to the party and you all got on, you would speak to me. You'd be like, oh my gosh, like, hi. Also, the getting off at the station and then getting back on and just literally everything that you were doing is wild. So, yeah, then I got on, sat on that seat, and there was a guy that was asleep when I got on

because I remember him vividly. He was like a bigger guy. He looked French and then there was another person sitting on that seat as well. So I was like, perfect, they can't sit there. So then this guy then that I knew there was two of them that were still following me because one got on and sat at the seat that was vacant and just locked eyes with me. Like locked eyes, like didn't stop staring at me. Intimidation.

Like so intimidating. And then the other guy sat on the other side but faced the other way. But every stop after that he'd turn around and he just started laughing and he just started laughing and he's like, oh, you're not getting off at this stop? And I just started bawling my eyes out. I was like, I don't know what to do. Because when that guy did wake up, I was like, can you please help me? He's like, no English, no English.

And I was like, okay, I'm done. I'm done. I don't know what to do. And then as soon as that guy was like, not this stop, I just broke down. I was still on FaceTime to my best friend and I was like, I'm not making 29. And then she started bullying her eyes. She's like, stop saying that. This is not like you to give up.

And I was like, I don't know what to do, Sean. Like, I don't know what to do. And I was just bawling my eyes out. And then the guy that was sitting there, I don't know what he said, but he said something. It wasn't in English. I was like, can you please help me? And then my friend starts speaking to him. And I was like, I don't know you could speak French.

And she goes, it's not French. It's Spanish. And I was like, since when can you speak Spanish? I didn't say that in the time, but I was just like, there's no way. So this is the sleeping man, the only other person in this train. And so your friend starts to speak to him in Spanish. And what is she saying? She's asking him to help.

Yes. Yeah. So I think she said my friend's in trouble, can you please help her? And then he ended up translating to her that he's a security guard and to get off at this certain stop. And he showed me on his phone. And I was like, is it safe? Like, is it safe?

And I remember her, like, me and her have had a conversation about it now that it's blown up. And because I'm like, there's so many questions about like, how you even know Spanish and like all this stuff. You're like, sorry, who even are you? Like, literally. I was like, what even is happening? I didn't even know you could speak another language.

She's like school Spanish really came in to serve at this point in my life. Well, that wasn't even that. She said that she, her and her best friend from New Zealand, they spoke at KFC together. And if they didn't want anyone to know what they were talking, they learnt Spanish. That's wild. Wow. That's a whole love story. That's it.

So when she started speaking to him, he understood then that the two other men and the train were what you were frightened about. Yes. At the start, he didn't understand because he was saying, oh, get off here at this stop. There's a bus stop that you can get, that'll get you back. And I was like, no, no, I need an Uber. And then they kept talking and saying, no, we need an Uber. And then he's like, oh, Uber's don't really come to this area. It's really bad area.

He's like, but I'm getting off there. Come with me. And then I was like, great, like, let's do it. And then I started blowing my eyes out again, thinking about it on the way. And I was like, what if he's involved? I don't even know. I could be getting lured into somewhere that I have no idea what's going to happen. And at this point, you have a decision to make whether you,

you can stay in a bad area alone with people you know are following you or you make a choice to try to trust a man that doesn't seem to be involved, but it's still a stranger telling you to get off at a random platform. Yes, exactly. So I was like, you know what, I don't know what else to do. And the fact that you can speak Spanish and he's speaking to you, I'm going to just take a leap. Take a leap of faith. We've no options, really. Legit, no option. So I then got off with him. he then took his, because he was like a security, he said he was a security guard. So he had like this big puffer jacket. He took it off and wrapped it around me and put me under his arm.

And he's like, stay close because they will grab you. And as soon as he said that, because they both got off and they were like either side of him. And I was like, they could easily jump him. Are we talking like when you say they either side, are they either side like within a metre? Or are they either side is in a couple of metres away and just sort of like lurking like sharks? Like a metre. They said one was a meter away and the other one come from behind and was just following us like a bit over a meter away.

But they're so close. Where are they going to grab you too? At this instance they've gotten on a train. They've traveled X amount of time as well. There's no car nearby. Like how is this going to logistically work? What a frightening reality? It was so frightening.

But the fact that he said it was a bad area, I think that that was their plan was to get me so far or even just as soon as you get out of, there's like areas that I've been told in Paris and the further you get out there's certain areas that are like do not go there like do not I accidentally when I was in Paris got on the train in the wrong direction at night after the Moul-en-Rouge and I ended up going the wrong way exactly I know exactly what you're talking about my sister and I alone at night no one on the carriage and you could every stop that we got to and we were like holy fuck and you could see how bad it was and someone

was like you need to get out of here yes yeah and if people notice I think because I before this, I was on the train and a girl that spoke English and she was like, what are you doing on here? Like, why are you here? Like, why are you on here? And I was like, oh, like, I'm just going to the Eiffel Tower. And she goes, you're on the wrong train for one. And she's like, I would not. If I was you, I would not. And she's like, and if you do, don't speak. Don't let them know that you speak English because then you're a target. So the security guard has escorted you out. They're circling either side. What happens next? So then I can tell why he said it was a bad area because as soon as you get off the platform,

like it's all lit up, but as soon as you step down, like there's these stairs and then you have to go around. I just remember it being like a dirt road. It just went to dirt. There was like these big massive gates that were just either side. And then it was just like construction. So at this point, I'm just crying and I'm like under him trying to just be away from the other two and just bawling my eyes out. So he walks me out. It's like the dodgiest area because then it goes into nothing because then you come out.

And then there was just nothing there. And he's like, oh, I'm going to get on a tram, which is over this way, but the bus is that way. And I was like, no, I need an Uber. Like I need to call an Uber. And then he was like, might not come. Like, it's a really bad area. I was just like, I'm just going to try. Like, I'm just going to try.

And he's like, I'll walk you to the road. So he walked me, stood beside me on the road. And my best friend's translating like, please don't leave her. like please don't leave her and he's like no no no it's fine like it's fine so he stood with me i called the uber book the uber and it was like okay it's three minutes away like hopefully it comes if i have to pay more i can pay more like for him to come to this area he rocked up got in and the guy i was like thank you so much he's like it's fine and he put me in the uba shut the door and the guy in the uber spoke beautiful english and i just remember just being relieved i was just like you have no

idea and then i just started crying and telling him what had happened he's like you're so lucky to get away. He's like a lot of people don't get away from that. The fact that that guy walked you to the road, like you're very, very lucky. He's like, this is such a bad area to be in. Bless his soul. And then I started crying again, because I even said to that Uber driver, I was like, what if you're involved? Like, I don't even know. And he's like, you poor thing. Like, I'm so sorry. And I was like, I don't know. Like, I don't know. At what point did the men leave? So like when they came off the train and they were still following, at what point did you stop seeing them? So once I got to the bus stop, which then it was like there was no need for them to follow me to the bus stop either.

I didn't see one of them, but one of them continued to like come around and then he stood on the other side of the bus stop. And the thing that got me was there was no need for him to be there because when we actually got to the bus stop, the buses were on strike until the next day. So you were waiting at the bus stop waiting for an Uber there and he was still waiting watching. Yeah. Probably hoping the Uber didn't come and then seeing what his chances were. 100%. Talk me through what happened in the days following after that. Was there any contact from anyone? Because he took your Instagram account to start with. Yeah. How did you navigate that? So as soon as I got back to my Airbnb, I blocked him off everything, but I was like, I'm not posting

anything because I know, like my accounts on public. Like he could have any fake accounts. He knows my Instagram now. Anything I post, he's definitely going to be watching. So that's when I just got on my close friends and I was just bawling my eyes out. I was like, I don't know. what to do guys. Like I just, I want to go home. Like, I want to just go home. But I'm so scared to leave. Like, I'm so scared to leave my Airbnb. Like, I don't want to go outside. Like, I genuinely don't want to go outside. And then one of my friends messaged me and she was like, you need to go to the Australian embassy. It's a place that Australians go to if they're in trouble and she explained everything to me. She sent me the address and everything. She's like, you need to go there. Like,

you'll feel so much safer. And they'll be able to tell you what you should do. And then when I put it into where it was. It's literally next to the Eiffel Tower. And I was like, there's no way I have to go back in there. And I just remember crying and crying and crying. And every time I went to walk out the door, my body was like, no, like, we're not going. Like, back to where you know they are based.

Yes. Like, what if someone sees me? What if someone, like, oh, everything was running through my head? And then I finally got the courage, like, after lunchtime, booked an Uber, got them to pick me up from, like, down the road. even the Uber that dropped me there, I was like, drop me two doors up and then I ran because I was like, I don't want anyone knowing where I actually am. Even though it was like an apartment and I was on the top floor, I was still, I was petrified that night. Like, I didn't get a wink

of sleep because I was like, if they wanted to break in, they could break in. Like, they could easily just break in. So I got an Uber, got to the Australian embassy and it's like walking into like a courthouse slash airport. Like you have to like tell them why you're there, what you're doing. stuff like that. So I told them everything, gave them my passport, and then you have to go like through this security bit and make sure like you don't have anything on you, obviously. There was a security guard that escorted me through. And then I got in there, saw the lady behind the desk and then she asked me like what I was there for, everything like that. She then was like, oh my gosh, we need to get a statement from you. I then need to wait for my manager. I need like

your passport or your details where you're staying and everything like that. So I gave that all to her. and then I waited. I remember waiting a while and then she called me back up and she was there with her manager and they were talking to me and they're like, look, we need your flight number and everything. We need to get you out of Paris. Like we need to get you out of. You need to get home.

I also think it's our nature to second guess. Like, you know, something in you tells you that something's really, really wrong. But there's like this almost people pleasing, second guessing nature that we have as women where we suppress that fear and that intuition that's like, because we have been taught to be a people place or to like, you know, second guess ourselves in so many ways. 100%. And so I'm so glad that you had other people there that tell you how seriously you need to take

this. Yes. And I'm just so blessed that my friend even told me to go to the embassy because that wouldn't have been a thought of mine. Like, who knows what I would have done? I probably would have said in that Airbnb for the whole day and then thought about it the next, maybe the next day and being like, okay, am I going home? Or was it all in my head?

And so they honestly were like, you need to leave. Yeah. So they were like, yeah. So after getting on my statement, they're like, look, there's a high chance that you could be on the black market, especially because you got a photo with him. So they now have a photo not only with you, but they also have your Instagram, which has everything on there. And they're like, you are not to post a single thing. And they're like, do you post regularly? I post in real time, all the time.

What do you mean by it on the black market? What does that mean? They said it's like Facebook marketplace. So for humans. For humans. So what they do is they'll get all the information out of you. So they're the red flags, those questions, because then they know that you're there alone.

Even though I told him I wasn't, I reckon he read straight through me. Well, it didn't matter because at this moment, for this evening where you were, you were out at night alone. Exactly. So yeah, they have all the details of you, how old you are, where you're from.

They now have your height because he literally stood me up and had me next to him. He knows exactly how tall you are, what you look like, he'll put you on there and he'll put all your details on there. And then anyone that sees you and has the chance to, they will grab you, like they will take you and you'll be out of the country. Wow. And there's nothing that anyone can do about because they've gotten you out of the country. Does that make you fearful around ever going to Europe again?

Yeah. I'm so scared. I don't think I'll, I say it now that I don't think I'll ever go to Europe. if I did, it definitely wouldn't be alone. Like, it would have to be, and it definitely wouldn't, I wouldn't even take my best friend there. Like, I would have to have a male. Like, I'd have to have at least one or two males with us and just,

I just would want to, oh, I don't know. What was said to you at the embassy that scared you the most? That I had to go home. That was the one thing that I remember just being like, what do you mean, it's so unsafe for me to be here that I had. have to get back to Australia. Like, that was a massive red flag. Because I was just in, I was kind delusional. I was like, I'm hoping I go in there and they're like, oh, look, this happens all the time. They probably just wanted to rob you. Like, so fine. But I knew it wasn't going to be that because

I could have easily robbed me. Like, I'm five foot nothing. I had stupidly, I had my prada bag on. I had this massive big Versacee ring that I got for my birthday. And they could have easily, like, I would have given it to them. Like, take it. Like, I genuinely don't care about things like that. Like, I'm just like, have it. Like, just spare my life. But even if I put up a fight, they could have easily taken it from me. Like, they don't need five guys to rob me. Could have done it in one.

And so, did the embassy talk to you at all about the fact that this is a real problem over in Europe at the moment? Like, did they make you aware of any stats or this is they know of? They didn't say any stats, but they said how common it is. Especially she's like, it happens quite a lot. She's like, especially robbing, like robbing, like, robbing everyone knows. over there, like getting robbed, pit pockets, like, it's massive. She's like, but this is another thing that, like, people genuinely have to be careful about because the fact they can get you out of the country really, really quickly,

that's the scary thing, because that's why nothing can be done about it. When you say that, as in they can pass over European borders, and so therefore, if you're transported to another country, then... Well, you're just lost. Yeah, you're just lost. Like, you're gone. Like, you're literally... In the syndicate?

Yeah, yeah. What made you want to share this? I mean, you've been speaking about it now on your socials, and it's kind of where we've came across it. Yeah. What made you want to share this story of yours? So I was with my colleagues. It would have been literally the day before I posted it, or maybe two days before I posted it,

and I was with four of my colleagues, and one of them's an older lady, and then two of the others are guys, and I was just somehow, it came up in conversation, and I told them about it. I think because one of the older ladies, she was, her daughter was traveling. And I was like, oh, like, just tell her to be really careful. Like, I don't want to scare you, but, like, I went to Paris and I really didn't like it. And she's like, oh, she's like, what happened? And I told them all the story. And they were just absolutely mind-blown.

They were like, I can't believe this happened to you. This is not real. And I was like, tell me about it, especially because the guys, their reactions. Because, like, I don't know, when you tell people's stuff, most times, guys will be like, oh, you're over-exaggerating. Like, you're being a song. You're being dramatic. But they were full like, this is mind-blowing.

Like, this makes me scared. And Sam was like, I would love for you to share it so I could show my daughters to show them that a real person has gone through this, especially Australian and being younger. So, like, she can relate. Because me coming as her mom, she's not going to listen to me. And I was like, that made me click and be like, I do need to get it out there. So I made the video. The most thing that I want it for is to go on my Facebook for older moms that I have on

their or like my mom's friends or people that have kids that are my age. Like I want it purposely to go on my Facebook. So all of them can be aware and see it because a lot of my close friends on Facebook and like mum's friends and people that have kids like my friends, moms, I have all of them on my Facebook. And a lot of them see my life and they're like, oh my gosh, I love your life so much. Like you travel so much. you like make me want to do things and go places? And I was like, yeah, I actually really need to get

it out there. Because I painted Paris as it was stunning. Like, it was beautiful. I love solo traveling. Like, if you look on my Instagram, it's like it never happened because I didn't want it to happen. Like, you'd hate to think that you were inspiring people to go without at least letting them know the dangers of what you really experienced. Exactly. It's also that like this idea of reinforcing the safety when safety is, I think, a lot of us when we try. travel and especially when you're in your 20s, you feel invincible and you think that safety is almost like a standard. Like, yes, bad things happen, but they don't happen to me. And when you're being held up as an example of like, well, she travels in her own and she's fine and she's never

experienced anything, not knowing the truth to it actually does everyone a disadvantage. Yeah, 100%. And especially after posting it and just how many people have messaged me or comment it on the photo having similar experiences all around the world, like I've just realized I'm so glad I posted it because it need to be spoken about. You also, you had a photo of the guy as well. Yeah, because he got my Instagram. So then when I got his, I screen shot at his photo. Because I was like, it just looked fake to me, but I knew that he had a photo of himself

on this. Was the photo really him or was it a fake photo that looks like him, do you think? Do you remember? It was definitely him. Yeah. Yeah. And did you go to the police? And if you didn't, in Paris, I mean, if you didn't, why didn't you?

So I asked them, I asked at the embassy. See, I was like, okay, like, what now? So they were like, look, we need to change your flights. So I sat there and they did all that. They changed my flights to the very next day. And then after all that, I was like, okay, so what's next? Like, do I now go make a police report? And she's like, 100% you can.

But under the wraps, then nine times out of 10, they're not going to do anything about it. And if they know where you're staying or they get your statement and they know more about you, it could be leaked. Like they could be involved. They could be involved. and I was just like, this isn't real. Like, there's no way that this is. It really does feel like that movie taken, doesn't it?

Where you think through all these horrible scenarios. Well, you said it was word for word like taken, did you not? 100%. Like, that's exactly when my mind went. And I haven't watched it in so long. I remember my mum just making sure I watched it all the time. Like my brother and I would just sit down and she'd like, if you ever traveling, this is what happens.

This is what happens in the real world. and just thinking that this is exactly how it isn't taken. You've had a really interesting response. So you put two reels out. The first reel, I think, has hit nearly 8 million views. And I cannot imagine how many shares and comments. And the second one, also a few million. But you had two sort of responses.

One camp of people saying, thank you so much. And also telling your stories of what happened to them. And the other camp of saying, you're a liar. That doesn't happen. And almost trying to call you out on it. Yes. A lot of people saying how would you know if you're on the black market? How can you confirm any of this? What do you want to say to that? I just want to say, if you haven't experienced it, you have no idea

because I guess I give people grace because I'm like, if I was on the other side, I wouldn't know what to think either. But being exactly in it, and especially if you ask my best friend, like she has such PTSD from it, she's like, you have no idea what I went through. Like you have no idea being on the other side of the phone, the other side of the world and seeing it all unfold in front of your eyes and knowing if they take her, I'm never going to see my best friend again. Feeling helpless. Yeah. And the fact that people are calling, because when at first, when it first started getting people being like,

you're a liar. She's like, no, she's like that. She's like, that's it. I'm clapping back to all of them. Like, I'm so sick of it. Now there's too many people in general. And then I ended up saying to her, I was like, look, it's draining. Like, this is too draining.

Like, just don't even worry about it. Like, we pray for them and we wish them well. said and we wish that it never ever happens to them or a family member or someone that they love because that's the only time that they'll realize that these things do happen. Yeah, and I think you have to look at it like it's a privilege to live in a world where you don't have to worry about these things, you know, like, or you don't have to think or haven't had to think about this. You said you blocked him and blocked anyone who you'd given your social media to.

Did you ever receive anything or has there ever been any outreach? Obviously, you can block someone but they can have different profiles. Has there ever been anything that's made you concerned since? No, no, which is really lucky. But since this coming out, I did post his photo on TikTok and a lot of people went on his account and he's then went and changed his name to Megan or something, like a girl's name. And then some girls sent me, I don't know how she got it, but she found another girl that was connected to his account that he'd like comment. on her photos saying, oh, like, you're so beautiful.

Like, you should come back to this party with us and, like, all this stuff. And I'm like, I don't know how she found it, but she sent me the screenshot. And she's like, you need to warn this girl. Like, this is really scary. And that's another thing. Like, if I was making it up, he would have 100% come back and being like, oh, it was all in her head. Like, I just wanted her to come to a party.

It's also, like, the power of social media in this sense is amazing because I can't remember the name of the documentary. I was watching it recently, but it was about it, an American girl that went to South America and something similar happened where this one tour guy kept like drugging and assaulting people. But she didn't know it was happening to other people. She knew it happened to her and she ended up sharing the story and it went viral with so many people around the world coming forward with their stories. And it was only because of that that person was actually found and convicted because one person decided to share her story and warn others. And I feel like

that's what's happening with you. Like you've put his photo out and other people will come forward saying, I also had this interaction. It's actually crazy when you think. And it's going back to what you said, Laws, earlier. It's crazy when you think, as women, we have this fucking instinct that as much as our instinct is screaming at us as something's wrong, we still need to please them and don't want to be rude to them. Like, when you knew something was wrong, right back at the beginning at your picnic under

the Eiffel Tower, they were trying to take photos. You didn't want to take the photos, but you don't want to be rude. They've physically picked you up. they've touched you and we are still trying to smooth it over and be nice. Like, I just don't like to be with people my birthday. Like, why are we still floundering around like we're a fish out of water? Because we don't want to offend somebody. And I hope that's a lesson to be learned now.

It's like to trust, not for you. I mean, for anyone listening, trust your gut instinct. You don't need to please anyone. No is a full sentence. If you need help, go and find it. Don't try and please someone and think, I don't want to offend that person. When you know deep down that something's not right. Yeah.

I think also there's another part to it as well. I don't think it's just, I mean, it's quite loaded, isn't it, our responses? There's absolutely a people-pleasing element where you don't want to offend someone. But I think there's also an innate self-protection as well where you're like, I don't want to upset this person. I don't know how they're going to react to things. I don't want to be forceful as a woman for fear of retaliation. Like it is a complex dance that we do where we interpret someone else's body language, the way they're speaking, how overbearing or underbearing or however it is, and we try and respond accordingly. And sometimes I do think, yes, it's people pleasing you don't want to offend someone, but sometimes I actually think it's also a bit of a, I'm doing this dance because I actually can't quite work out how dangerous or not you are. It's also infuriating, and I'd love you to say one or two of the standout stories,

but it's infuriating when people say this doesn't happen. Like, trafficking's not a thing. You're an Australian. Like, it's just not a world we live in, right? Yeah. People find it unfathomable that this is happening. If only they knew the stats, around the world. But what are some of the stories that people have reached out to you

privately as well, telling you what's happened to them? Yeah. So I've been flooded, like flooded with not only comments, but people sending me their own stories. I've actually started sharing them on TikTok. I've just been reading my comments out like anonymously, my messages and just about all the different stories that some people will say, most of the females will say, I've never told anyone this because no one would believe me. And I'm like, just the fact that that is our first thought, like just making me so angry because that's not even where I thought that this would go, like my story. I thought everyone would be like, oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, like this is crazy. This has made me so much more aware. I never

thought someone would be like, you're a liar. Like, she's full of it. Like, you're a liar. But I guess that social media and a lot of people that are so just sheltered, are very blessed to think that it doesn't happen in the world, but it really does because even some of the messages I've gotten, there was a girl that messaged me and she said, I think she was in Mexico and she was traveling with her friends. She ended up, they ended up being out together and they were partying and everything and her friends wanted to go home and she didn't. So she's like, oh, I'm just going to stay like, it'll be fun. And she was with like a group of these people and they're like, yeah, she's fine. Like we'll bring her home later. And so she stayed with them. And then the other two friends went

home and said, okay, like, message us when you're coming home, like, we'll see you in the morning. They woke up the next morning and she wasn't home. So that was like red flag for them. So they're like trying to find her, trying to call her. She's not answering. They then go to the police. They report it and like, okay, like we're going to, we're going to find her. It's going to be okay. Like, I'm sure she's just at somebody's house. She woke up in the morning and she said she was just in this like hotel room, nowhere to get out. Like she didn't know how to get out. She was freaking out. she then ended up getting out, the police then ended up coming there, finding her, and then they realized she's missing a kidney.

Like, it's just like, there's no way. Like, that is just absolutely insane that they've taken her, put her in, God knows where, and taken a kidney and then just left her. It's crazy because so many people will hear that and say it's just not true. They'll say it's just not true, but it's absolutely true. And you've made me realize, I'll just finish with one of my own stories because even when you said you were telling your friends this story at work and they were like, what? You need to tell people that. Like, it made me think of this story that happened to me when I was 28 and I was traveling with my sister in Columbia. And I was in Medellin, a city called Medellin, which I will never go back to it now. I did not realize in the level of organ harvesting and trafficking that happens in Colombia. Medergin. We didn't know. So my sister's this tiny blonde. And we'd been on a night out, but we aren't big drinkers. I'd probably had one drink the entire night. I never really got

drunk overseas. I probably also, like, only if I felt very, very safe with a big group of people in a hostel or something. But we'd been out salsa dancing, because, you know, went in Rome. And we were at this, like, last bar. And we walked in. And we were like, let's just stop for one more drink before we get home to our hostel. And so we went in, I say last drink, because this bar was 30 metres away from our hostel. It was the last place to go before we met home for the night. And we walked in and my sister's a blonde up to my shoulder. As we were walking up, the doorman, who was this huge man, stopped us and was just,

there was no reason to stop us. He was just really chatty, like show us an ID kind of thing, took photos of our ID, which is not abnormal. Like, you know when you go into a bar sometimes? It's pretty abnormal to have a photo taken of your ID. No, but you know how they take photos even in Australia? I went into a club on the weekend. and they took a photo of me at the door.

Like, it wasn't enough for me to be abnormal in a way. You know, and I was like, I'm in another country. I'm 28. Like, in Australia, sometimes they clock your face, whatever. Who are you guys traveling with? Every single question that you just said, are you alone? Where are you from? Oh, so no one's here with you?

Like, every single question that you said, anyone else coming to meet you guys tonight, whatever. And very naively, we said we had friends at the hostel, but it was very obvious. We were just there on our own. We were two girls. And so he gets on his mind. Let's us go in. We walk in and it's seated. They were like, oh, we bring drinks to you.

You don't just order them at the bar. So we sit down and get a drink. A waiter gets it from the bar and brings it to you. And within 15 minutes of me drinking that drink, I looked at my sister and she hadn't, thank God had any. And I said, you need to get me out of here right now. Something is not right. And she's like, what do you mean?

I was like, something's not right. And I had been drugged before, unfortunately. And so I was like, now. And so we get up and they follow us to the door. And by the time I, from drinking to saying I didn't feel well, by the time I got to the front of this bar, got down the stairs and started to walk, it must have been minutes. I could not stand up.

I was draped over my sister. And she's like, what is going on? And I said, we have minutes. I was like, I said, I think I've been drugged. And they were following us out. And to this day, I think the only thing that saved us is that our hotel was next door. if we had to walk any further, would be gone. So I walk in, she drags me in, she barely gets me in the door, and I pass out.

And I was out for over 24 hours. I do not know what they gave me out. And Sheridan was with me the whole night. She was like, you were just pool of sweat, like crazy. And then we woke up the next step. Like when I came to, and we were talking about it to the people there, they were like, you have no idea how lucky you are. They were like, there is the biggest organ harvesting and trafficking,

here in Medellin, people go missing all the time. It's like you just don't hear about it. And I think in that moment, you tell yourself that's not what this was. But of course it was. Like, of course it was. We were two young girls traveling by ourselves. And I was 24 hours I wouldn't remember. I do not know where I would have woken up or what would have happened to me. And I often think I probably should tell more people that story because it's a real thing. It's really happening to people. And it's so scary once you realize how close you came to something. Yeah. That is so scary. It's petrifying grit. And I think regardless of like what the intention was, whether you can say with absolute certainty that it was like that it was to do this or to do that, like whether you can say it was for organ harvesting. At the end of the day, at best it could have been someone who tried to give you a date rape job. Do you mean? Like there's no good outcome from that. So regardless of whether you do know or you don't know what the intention was, the intention was not good. And it's something very fucking scary. I mean, like, look, I don't want this episode to be the thing that scares people for. from ever traveling on their own.

But the thing is, it is something to be wary of that it's not, we're not as safe as we think we are. No, and I don't know what steps you're taking for your future, but I think it's important to talk about the fact that there are some things that you can do. And it's like, don't tell anyone that you're traveling on your own. You never do. And it's, I think it's really important to trust your gut. Look up where you're going, know the areas that you're going to go.

If it's going to be nighttime and dark, how are you going to get home? Like there are a lot of, as much as I don't want to say this to you, I don't want to say there's a lot of obvious things that there are. And I think it's only from people like you sharing your stories where you actually realize that this is a risk and something that needs to be taken into consideration. Yeah, 100%. And even just saying the things like looking from an outside, people looking in being like, that's so obvious to do that. But not until you're in that and that's never happened to you before because no one's ever spoken like to you about it. you don't know what you would do. So just getting it out there and being like, okay, well, at least if people are aware now and they know what they would do in that situation, that's the best outcome that I can get

from this. Because just as long as people know what to do, what the signs are and how to get help, then that's all that I want. A big thing is also sharing your location with someone at all times. If you are traveling, always have someone know where you are and put your live location on. Yeah. I don't travel without a live location shared with.

someone anymore. So there's definitely little things like that you can do. But thank you so much for sharing your story. Is anything happening now? Like is there a further investigation? What's happening like on the embassy side? Yeah. So now that it's all come to light, I have emailed the embassy just to get everything, like my statement and their statement back to me because I blowed everything out. Like this has made me realize that people are like, what did you do when you get back to Australia? I was like, I hid in my room for about a week and then went back to work and acted like it never happened. I was like, I don't even know if they told me, because all I remember is taking a photo of these numbers to call. I don't know if they said to call them when I got back to Australia. I don't know if they said to go to a

police station when I got back to Australia. I blurred everything out and I suppressed everything and I was like, no, like it's not happening. My brain's not allowing it to happen. Like, it's just not happening. So I've emailed them. They said it'll take like three weeks for them to get back to me, but they're going to send me my statements and everything. And if there's anything else I needed to do now that I'm back in Australia. Thank you so much for coming and being part of the podcast and for sharing your story. And also, I mean, we are so grateful that the outcome is what it was. And that you say you didn't know what to do in that situation,

but it sounds like you did exactly what you were supposed to. Yeah, thanks. We will link Janaya's Instagram handle in our show notes if she allows that. So if you want to go and watch those reels that she made originally, you can. And we will link an episode we did with a wonderful, incredible woman Loretta, who unfortunately was trafficked for years. And that was an interview that definitely changed my life. And I think it changed a lot of people's lives.

So we're going to link that in the show notes too. If you haven't listened to that, we urge you to go and give that one a listen.