Defamation Notice
Prominent Pakistani fashion designer Maria B, whose real name is Maria Butt, has served a Rs100 million defamation notice to Turkish influencer Türkan Atay over allegations concerning a brand shoot payment dispute.
The dispute, which has been escalating over social media, involves Atay accusing the designer’s team of failing to fully compensate her for managing a production for Maria B’s 2025 campaign in Turkey.
Türkan Atay had earlier issued her own legal notice, demanding $8,000 in dues and a public apology from Maria B. Atay took to Instagram, posting a series of videos where she claimed she was initially hired by Maria B’s team with a clear understanding that her fee would be charged per outfit, inclusive of production expenses such as locations, models, and videography.
To support her claims, she shared alleged screenshots of conversations with the brand’s PR manager, suggesting an agreed per-outfit rate. However, according to Atay, the brand issued a lump-sum payment, misunderstanding the agreement’s terms, and when she approached Maria B directly, the designer distanced herself from the payment arrangements.
As the dispute played out publicly, Atay filed a legal notice demanding $8,000 — including $1,000 in unpaid dues, $2,000 for legal expenses, and $5,000 for mental anguish.
In response, Maria B’s legal team, led by barrister Khadija Siddiqi, served Atay a defamation notice under Section 8 of The Defamation Ordinance, 2002. The notice describes Maria B as a widely respected figure, recognized for her activism, philanthropy, and advocacy for Palestinian rights.
It alleges that Atay posted “frivolous, malicious, and defamatory” content on Instagram, tarnishing the designer’s reputation both nationally and internationally. The notice highlighted specific derogatory statements allegedly made by Atay, accusing her of maligning Maria B’s integrity.
Maria B has demanded an unconditional public apology within 14 days, damages amounting to Rs100 million, and an immediate halt to any further defamatory publications.
Meanwhile, Atay’s legal notice accuses Maria B of launching a counter-defamation campaign instead of resolving the financial dispute professionally. It claims that false allegations, including damaging references about LGBTQ affiliations, caused Atay significant emotional and reputational harm, resulting in loss of followers and future professional opportunities.
Both parties now appear poised for a legal battle, with the influencer warning of further legal action if her demands are not met promptly.
