Rapper Caprice has failed in his bid to suspend payment of RM220,000 in defamation damages awarded to preacher Ebit Lew over statements made in 2023.
Shah Alam Sessions Court judge Zuhrina Mohamed Nor on Monday ordered Caprice, whose real name is Ariz Ramli, 40, to deposit the full amount into the account of Ebit’s lawyers immediately.
The court also ordered the rapper, known for his song Lenglui, to pay RM2,000 in costs.
The defamation case stemmed from a video allegedly uploaded by Ariz on September 15, 2023, featuring an Indonesian woman, Mondy Tattoo, as a guest.
Ebit, whose real name is Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, 42, claimed the video implied that he had sexually harassed Mondy and taken advantage of her. He also alleged that it portrayed him as irresponsible and someone who exploited religion for personal gain.
The preacher accused Ariz, named as the first defendant, of deliberately publishing the video without first verifying the claims with him or his lawyers.
He further claimed that the video prompted negative comments, insults and abusive remarks from Caprice’s YouTube followers.
Ebit also alleged that defamatory statements made by Ariz and Mondy had caused him to face public criticism, ridicule and humiliation.
On September 29 that year, police called several individuals to assist investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and defamation involving Ebit, Mondy and Ariz.
In the proceedings, Ebit was represented by lawyers Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader and Fatin Izyan Mazlan, while Ariz was represented by Mohd Rezan Ezra Muhammad Mosinal.
On August 17, Zuhrina ordered Ariz to apologise to Ebit and pay RM220,000 in damages over the defamation.
Ariz was also directed to apologise and remove seven statements made together with Mondy within 48 hours. He was further prohibited from making comments or issuing statements about Ebit.
The court also dismissed Ariz’s counterclaim, ruling that it was without merit.
