Hijabi fashion entrepreneur Neelofa was criticised online recently for uploading clips of Disney’s The Lion King on social media.
The 30-year-old has apologised since then, saying that she had no intention of breaking copyright-related laws and that she respects intellectual property.
Neelofa, whose real name is Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor wrote an apology on Twitter.
“Honestly my action was solely due to my excitement and support to the film and to get more fellow Malaysian (sic) to enjoy the film as a family event,” she wrote.
She said she did not realise the repercussions of her actions.
“I hereby take full responsibility of (sic) my wrongdoing and do hope others will also learn from this and we will be extra careful in the future.”
Netizens slammed Neelofa for copyright infringement.
“So no one is going to say anything about Neelofa recording The Lion King and posted it on her Insta Story? (sic) Or is it because she is a celebrity she can (sic) whatever she wants?” wrote user Megat Aliff who tagged cinema operators TGV Cinemas and Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) Cinemas.
“Hello Neelofa, don’t you know what you’re doing is illegal?” asked @fais_mohder.
GSC, a cinema chain in Malaysia responded to Megat’s query on the matter, stating it has contacted the film’s distributor Disney for further action.
FashionValet founder Datin Vivy Yusof was also criticised last year by the public for uploading clips from romantic-comedy blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians at a premiere event in Kuala Lumpur.
In Malaysia, recording movies in the cinema is an offense and individuals caught doing so will be subject to a fine of RM100,000 or jail for up to five years. -/TISG