Fashion designer Maria Butt, widely known as Maria B, has formally responded to a defamation complaint lodged in August by Saima Butt. The complaint centers on Maria B’s social media posts, which were viewed as casting aspersions on the transgender community.
In her official reply submitted to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Maria B, through her lawyer Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, asserts she was exercising her constitutional right to freedom of expression. Her statement emphasizes that she shared what she considered “reasonable opinions on matters of public concern,” acted in “good faith and for the larger public good,” and remained within the bounds of lawful expression.
Highlighting that the video she posted failed to clearly depict any individuals since viewers could see only masked, indistinct figures, the response argues defamation cannot apply, as no individual was identifiable. The submission also alleges that the complaint was brought forward with “malicious intent” designed to harass her.
The dispute began when Maria B shared content from what she described as a private party attended by transgender individuals, calling the gathering objectionable and inconsistent with societal moral values. Lahore police responded by arresting around 60 persons, including transgender attendees. However, the case was later thrown out by a magistrate, who found no evidence that any wrongdoing had taken place.
This is not Maria B’s first instance of controversy surrounding transgender issues. She previously celebrated the banning of the film Joyland in Lahore, describing it as a “shameful transgender satanic show.” Joyland, for context, had been Pakistan’s official submission to the Oscars in 2023.
Maria B’s reply represents her attempt to frame her comments not as defamatory, but as part of a broader public conversation. The NCCIA now has her written defence on record, and subsequent legal or administrative developments will determine whether the case proceeds further.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ