SHAH ALAM: The Sessions Court here on Monday ordered rapper Caprice to apologise and pay RM220,000 in damages to preacher Ebit Lew over defamatory statements made against him in 2023.
Caprice, whose real name is Ariz Ramli, 40, was ordered to issue the apology and remove seven statements made together with Indonesian influencer Mondy Tattoo within 48 hours.
Judge Zuhrina Mohamed Nor also ruled that the singer of “Lenglui” must not make any comments or statements about Ebit, whose real name is Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, 42, in the future.
The court also dismissed Caprice’s counterclaim, finding it without merit.
On Sept 15, 2023, Caprice, who is also a humanitarian activist, was believed to have uploaded a video featuring Mondy as a guest.
The plaintiff claimed the video implied that Ebit had sexually harassed and taken advantage of Mondy, as well as portraying him as irresponsible and someone who exploited religion.
Ebit claimed Caprice, as the first defendant, had maliciously published the video without verifying the allegations with him or his lawyers.
He also claimed the video resulted in numerous negative comments, insults and abuse from followers of Caprice’s YouTube account.
Ebit further alleged that defamatory statements made by Caprice and Mondy caused him to face public criticism, ridicule and humiliation.
On Sept 29 that year, police called several individuals to assist in investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and defamation involving Ebit, Mondy and Caprice.
Ebit was represented by lawyer Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader, while lawyer Mohd Rezan Ezra Muhammad Mosinal appeared for Caprice.
In a Facebook post following the ruling, Ebit expressed gratitude over his victory.
“I am grateful that I won the lawsuit against Caprice.
“He was ordered to apologise for the defamation and pay a total of RM220,000,” he said.
Meanwhile, Caprice said in a Facebook post that he would appeal the decision.
