Apprentice Star Luisa Zissman Sparks Controversy with 'Refugee Era' Remark After Dubai Exit
Former The Apprentice contestant and influencer Luisa Zissman has ignited a social media firestorm by declaring she is in her "refugee era" following her departure from Dubai amid escalating Middle East conflicts. The 38-year-old businesswoman, who relocated to the United Arab Emirates in December with her husband Andrew Collins and two children, filmed herself walking through London's Chinatown to explain her sudden return to the United Kingdom.
Zissman's Explanation and Journey Details
In a video shared with her 712,000 Instagram followers, Zissman stated, "Obviously I am no longer in Dubai. I was due back for work anyway, so I came back with the kids—they're on school holidays now, and I just wanted to bring them back with me." She elaborated on her self-described displacement, adding, "I'm now in my refugee era, displaced from my home. No, it's fine, it was actually fine leaving. We went through Oman. Very, very easy. Took like 15 minutes to get through the border and then flew out from Muscat to Heathrow."
Her comments come in the wake of heightened tensions in the region, where Iranian missiles recently struck the United Arab Emirates. This followed wide-ranging U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since targeted Israel and nations hosting U.S. military bases, creating a volatile situation that has impacted travel and safety.
Public Backlash and Broader Context
Reactions on social media platform X were swift and critical, with one user remarking that Zissman is "so out of touch it's actually laughable" for comparing her situation to that of genuine refugees fleeing war zones. Her terminology has drawn sharp scrutiny, highlighting the often-blurred lines between influencer privilege and global humanitarian crises.
Zissman is not alone in her exodus from Dubai. Television personality Vicky Pattison also navigated a complicated route home, traveling through Oman after three cancelled flights. Pattison detailed her 11-hour journey, which included a 2-3 hour border crossing and costs of approximately £130 per person, underscoring the logistical challenges faced by expatriates and influencers alike.
Travel Disruptions and Future Uncertainties
The conflict has led to significant travel disruptions, with British Airways cancelling all flights to and from key Middle Eastern destinations such as Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv until later this month, and to Abu Dhabi until later this year. In a statement, the airline cited ongoing safety concerns as the primary reason for these cancellations.
Prior to her departure, Zissman expressed anxieties about her ability to return to Dubai, telling followers, "I'm worried if I come back to the UK for work I won't be able to get back to Dubai, so will take the children with me and see my parents too." She noted that the situation in Dubai seemed stable initially, with children's school holidays starting a week early, but the escalating conflict prompted her decision to leave.
As the situation develops, Metro has reached out to Luisa Zissman's representative for further comment, though no additional statements have been released. The episode raises broader questions about the language used by public figures during international crises and the real-world impacts of geopolitical unrest on everyday lives.
