Main image via Astro Awani
Celebrity and businesswoman Neelofa recently found herself in hot water when she was caught uploading snippets of The Lion King on her Instagram stories. While some netizens did not take her offence seriously, others were quick to urge the relevant authorities to take action.
Hi, Thanks for highlighting. We have already highlight to the person in charge for their action. TQ
— GSC (@GSCinemas) July 24, 2019
Do you have any information on which cinema location? We take allegations of piracy very seriously.
— TGV Cinemas (@TGVCinemas) July 23, 2019
- Rafie
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Following this incident, she took to Twitter to publicly acknowledge her mistake and said that she would “take full responsibility for [her] wrongdoing.”
Assalamualaikum, my fellow Malaysians pic.twitter.com/pPX5rEe4Tc
— Neelofa (@Neelofa) July 23, 2019
Many Malaysians commended her for stepping forward to admit her mistake, saying it would be a good reminder for others to respect filmmakers’ hard work and avoid making the same offence.
@Neelofa wrong is wrong ! Thanks for doing it so that many aware about your action and will not do it !
— kelvin 🦄 (@kelvinboeii) July 23, 2019
There's a principle in law namely "ignorantia juris non excusat" which means a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law. I'm glad that Neelofa takes full responsibility for her misconduct. Hopefully others will become mindful of the law. ❤️
— Ikhwan (@JatIkhwan) July 23, 2019
its okay kak lofa! always support you! Thats very brave and humble of you, publicly apologize, much #respect 😘😘😘
— SaraHermosa🏹 (@sarahzamri) July 23, 2019
However, there were some others who weren’t happy that Neelofa seemed to get preferential treatment because she’s a celebrity as it is currently unclear if she is facing any charges.
what will happen if one does: "Attempts to record a movie are also punishable with a fine of between RM5,000 to RM50,000, and/or imprisonment for up to 1 year."
— azlan shah (@azlxns) July 24, 2019
but then you only get away by releasing this statement. that doesn't even include an apology....
Mana boleh. Dah buat salah, silalah masuk penjara. Orang lain kena tahan @SKMM_MCMC, kenapa Neelofa tak kena tahan? https://t.co/u1AfFvOKlv
— Aizad Fahmy (@aizadfahmy) July 24, 2019
Some of her fans responded to these comments, hoping that they would leave Neelofa alone and not make a huge issue out of it.
Everybody should leave Neelofa alone. Her contributions towards Malaysia and her status should grant her the ability to be excused and forgiven for what she has done. Sudah sudah lah tu dok kecam dia. https://t.co/OPT2lOO0GM
— Farhan (@lamkanahraf) July 24, 2019
Neelofa already admitted her mistake but now jadi isu lagi sbb dia tak keluarkan perkataan maaf 💁♀️. Who are you netizen yg neelofa nak minta maaf kat korg? Blerghhh apahal eh kita ni semua benda tak pernah cukup. Semua benda nak jadi isu 💁♀️. Kesian betul!
— wink (@nussaaaaa) July 24, 2019
No matter what, this is indeed a good reminder for all of us to respect the intellectual property of artists and filmmakers. Let’s all just enjoy a movie without having the need to do it for the ‘gram!
