COURT PROPOSES MURAD ZAIDI’S SUIT AGAINST CAPRICE SETTLED VIA MEDIATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The High Court here has proposed that the civil suit filed by renowned high-performance transformation coach Syed Mohammad Murad Syed Naseem, better known as Murad “Baddestcoach” Zaidi, against social media influencer Caprice, be resolved through mediation.

Caprice’s counsel, Megat Syazlee Mokhtarom, confirmed that the suggestion was made by Judge Kan Weng Hin during an in-chambers case management last Monday.

“The judge proposed that both parties attempt mediation. However, the plaintiff (Murad Zaidi) did not agree. The court has fixed Dec 9 for the next case management,” he said.

Murad Zaidi’s counsel, Datuk M. Reza Hassan, also confirmed the matter.

On Nov 8, the High Court here recorded a consent order compelling Caprice, whose real name is Ariz Ramli, to immediately take down and withdraw nine defamatory statements published on his Instagram account against Murad Zaidi.

The order was recorded after Caprice agreed to comply and also undertook not to republish, redistribute, or disseminate any of the alleged statements in any form.

According to a draft consent order, Caprice also agreed not to make any further remarks or representations of a similar nature against Murad Zaidi, who is widely recognised for redefining elite fitness and corporate performance culture in Malaysia through his flagship brand, Badcave Training Facility.

Following the undertaking, Murad Zaidi withdrew his interim injunction application against Caprice, with no order as to costs. However, the main defamation suit is proceeding.

On Aug 4, Murad Zaidi filed the suit, claiming that Caprice had uploaded false and malicious content portraying him as being involved in criminal activities and organised crime, and as a result of the publications, the plaintiff claimed that his reputation and dignity were damaged, noting that the defendant commands significant influence on Instagram with more than 1.5 million followers.

Murad Zaidi is seeking an injunction to restrain the defendant and his agents from publishing or repeating defamatory posts about him, as well as a video apology on all of the defendant’s social media platforms, along with damages, costs, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

Meanwhile, in his statement of defence, the defendant maintained that his remarks were made without malice.

-- BERNAMA