Pakistani designer Maria B has served a Rs100 million defamation notice to Turkish influencer Türkan Atay, following a heated online dispute over unpaid dues and accusations regarding her brand’s stance on Palestine.
According to the legal notice, Atay made several public statements accusing Maria B of
“running a business under the guise of supporting Palestine and Islam,” along with other defamatory remarks.
Read More: Maria B Accused of Fraud by Turkish Influencer Turkan Atay
These claims gained significant traction on digital, print, and electronic media, allegedly harming the designer’s personal and professional reputation in Pakistan and abroad.
Maria B, represented by barrister Khadija Siddiqi, has demanded an unconditional public apology from Atay within 14 days, removal of all defamatory posts, and payment of Rs100 million in damages.
In response, Türkan Atay sent a legal notice to Maria B on April 24, alleging the designer had refused to pay USD 8,000 in dues related to a brand shoot in Turkey for the 2025 campaign. Atay claimed she had clearly outlined her per-dress charges covering all production expenses — including location, models, and videography — and even shared screenshots of WhatsApp conversations with Maria B’s PR manager confirming the agreed rates.
Read More: Adnan Sami, Fawad Chaudhry Engage in Heated Exchange Over Indian Citizenship
Atay’s notice states that instead of following the agreed pricing structure, the brand made a lump-sum payment that fell short of the total. Upon contacting Maria B directly, the influencer said she was told the designer was not responsible for the payments.
Atay also accused Maria B of launching a “malicious defamation campaign” to undermine her credibility. She alleges the designer falsely claimed efforts were made to resolve the matter privately, which Atay denies.
Read More: No Panic, Just Punchlines: Pakistan’s Meme Response Goes Viral
Her notice cites mental distress, reputational harm, and a drop in social media following and business opportunities as consequences of Maria B’s public statements. Türkan Atay has given a seven-day deadline for Maria B to settle the amount and issue an apology — failing which, she will pursue further legal action.
The dispute has sparked debate on ethics in brand-influencer collaborations, especially in the fashion industry where cross-border partnerships are common.
