KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here recorded a consent order compelling social media influencer Caprice to immediately take down and withdraw nine defamatory statements published on his Instagram account against Syed Mohammad Murad Syed Naseem, better known as Murad Zaidi, a renowned high-performance transformation coach and industry leader.
The order was recorded before Judicial Commissioner Avinder Singh in chambers yesterday, after Caprice, whose real name is Ariz Ramli, agreed to comply and also undertook not to republish, redistribute, or disseminate any of the alleged statements in any form.
The nine alleged defamatory statements against Murad Zaidi, 38, were posted on Caprice’s Instagram between July and August 2025.
According to a draft consent order, the 39-year-old influencer 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. The matter was confirmed by Murad Zaidi’s counsel, Datuk M Reza Hassan, and lawyer Megat Syazlee Mokhtar, representing Caprice.
“The main defamation suit against the influencer will proceed, with the next case management fixed for Nov 17,” said M Reza.
Murad Zaidi filed the defamation suit on Aug 4, claiming that Caprice had uploaded false and malicious content portraying him as being involved in criminal activities and organised crime.
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.
In this regard, Murad Zaidi is seeking an injunction to restrain the defendant, his employees, representatives, or agents from publishing, distributing, or repeating any defamatory postings against him on social media.
He is also seeking a public apology in the form of a video to be published on all of the defendant’s social media platforms, along with general, aggravated, and exemplary damages, costs, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Meanwhile, in his statement of defence, the defendant maintained that his remarks were made without malice. – BERNAMA
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
