Maria B justifies social media post on trans community as ‘for larger public good’

Fashion designer Maria Butt, better known as Maria B, submitted her reply to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in connection with a complaint filed against her over alleged anti-transgender post on social media.

The complaint, lodged in August by Saima Butt, accused the designer of defaming the transgender community. Maria B’s lawyer, Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, submitted a written response on her behalf.

In the reply, the designer argued that she was exercising her right to free speech and expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. She maintained that she expressed “reasonable opinions on matters of public concern” and that post was made “in good faith and for the larger public good.”

Also Read: Maria B appears before NCCIA over LGBTQ video controversy

The response also claimed that the individuals in the video she posted were barely identifiable due to masks and poor visibility, therefore her post could not be considered defamatory against any specific person. The complaint, she said, was filed with “malicious intent” to harass her.

The case stems from videos and photos Maria B uploaded in August, demanding police action against what she described as “transgender activists” attending a private party.

Lahore police subsequently booked around 60 transgender persons and others, arresting some of them. However, a magistrate later dismissed the case, ruling that there was no incriminating evidence linking them to any offence.

Maria B has repeatedly drawn criticism for her public statements targeting the transgender community. Earlier, she lauded the cancellation of a screening of Joyland in Lahore, calling the Oscar-nominated Pakistani film a “shameful transgender satanic show.”