Maria B appears before NCCIA over LGBTQ video controversy

Fashion designer Maria B appeared before the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on Wednesday after being summoned in connection with videos she posted last month about the LGBTQ community.

According to officials, Maria had earlier requested more time through her lawyers to submit a statement.

The NCCIA has now formally opened an inquiry into the matter.

The summons was issued following a complaint filed by transgender activist Naeem Butt, also known as Seema Butt, who accused the designer of deliberately circulating videos of an alleged party involving transgender individuals on August 23.

Read more: Maria B lashes out at ‘obscene, satanic’ LGBT event in Lahore

The complainant alleged that the videos were shared in a way that targeted the transgender community and amounted to harassment and defamation.

Initially, Maria denied reports that she had been summoned, terming them “rumors.” However, she later confirmed she would cooperate with authorities and present her statement if officially called.

The NCCIA’s notice directed Maria B to appear on August 26, though the statement was recorded this week after her legal team sought an extension.

The inquiry remains ongoing, with NCCIA officials stating that further proceedings will be based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.