Family and friends of the teenager at the centre of the Maguluf sex tape scandal are rallying around her amid claims she was 'led astray in a vulnerable moment'

Family and friends of the teenager at the centre of the Maguluf sex tape scandal are rallying around her amid claims she was 'led astray in a vulnerable moment'.

The 18-year-old girl, who was filmed performing sex acts on 24 men in a nightclub in the notorious holiday resort, is understood to be from a deeply religious, born-again Christian background.

And according to reports, her family has forgiven her, while trying to come to terms with her internet shame.

The Co Armagh teenager has gone to ground since she was captured on video performing sex acts on 24 men in exchange for a 'holiday'. However, the holiday in question turned out to be a €5 drink of the same name.

It is believed the leaked footage was sent to family members, including the girl's devastated father. But friends of the family claim they have turned to their faith to help them through, believing she was a 'victim' of a sick game.

One source told a newspaper: "She is a lovely girl but she's been looking for excitement. She made a terrible mistake a few weeks ago and she has been fully forgiven. Everyone is devastated.

"She has been a victim, a target of evil, of wickedness and she has most definitely been led astray."

The friend said the girl had 'dropped her Godly protection' for a moment but stressed that both she and her family would come through the ordeal.

"God will see them through this," said the friend. "It may be a positive thing that this story has got out because now the situation can be addressed and she can regain her strength and dignity.

"The family is very strong and very much at one with the Lord.

"While others may see what she is said to have done as an act of depravity, we see it as something quite different. She went into the world and it got the better of her. We need protection in this world and somehow she dropped her Godly protection for a moment – but that's all it takes."

One source said the scandal had shocked the local community where the well-known family live and that many people had sympathy for the young woman and her family.

She said: "Lots of young people were talking about the film at the weekend. It did divide opinion, but many of them felt she had made a mistake and should be forgiven."

Further reading

Read More

Belfast Telegraph