Awesome TV has filed a defamation suit against three local celebrities over allegations on social media that the broadcaster failed to pay for their appearances on its programmes.
The suit, filed through law firm Shafie & Co, names Amirullah Azmi, better known as Amir Raja Lawak; Ikhtiarudin Naina Mohamad (Mamak Puteh); and Abu Musarrif Abu Bakar (Abu Mamu) as defendants.
In a statement, Awesome TV said all content aired on its channel was produced by external production houses, and that contractual and payment matters involving talent were the responsibility of those companies.
It said the alleged defamatory statements has damaged the company’s image and reputation.
Awesome TV also criticised Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid for raising the matter in Parliament without verifying the facts, saying her remarks had caused misunderstandings and misrepresented the broadcaster.
“As an elected representative, she should have investigated the matter thoroughly before issuing any statements,” it said.
The company added that it takes a serious view of any baseless claims or attempts to tarnish its reputation, and will defend its rights through legal channels.
Yesterday, Syerleena called for stronger institutional and financial support for the creative industry, urging the government to emulate countries like South Korea, which have gained global influence through cultural exports.
She told the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysian artistes were still being forced to plead for what should be rightfully theirs.
She cited Amirullah’s case, saying he had to publicly appeal to a local broadcaster for RM18,000 in overdue payments to help cover his father’s cancer treatment.
