Story By: Lee Bullen,Sub Editor: Joseph Golder,Agency: Asia Wire Report
Video Credit: AsiaWire/@aliahiskandar
The bridal shop owner who hit the headlines with a controversial wedding photoshoot which featured models posing on Christian gravesites is now being investigated by the Malaysian cops.
The bridal photo shoot took place at a Christian cemetery in the town of Batu Pahat in the south-western Malaysian state of Johor and footage of the incident was posted on Twitter where it has been viewed over a million times.
The photos were taken to promote the store’s latest online bridal collection, but the incident sparked outrage online after the models were seen posing on top of graves.
The backlash even forced the shop owner to issue a tearful apology on social media where she said: “I would like to extend my deepest and most sincere apologies to all areas of society, whether they be Muslims or non-Muslims.
“But especially to those who are Christians for my mistake in uploading those photos on social media.”
The unnamed shop owner admitted that she could never have imagined the images would spark racial tension in the community, adding that they were only meant to showcase her new bridal collection.
She continued: “I would like to take full responsibility for what happened, and would like to absolve any models and photographers who were involved from any blame.”
The store owner told local media that she chose the cemetery because she was inspired by Western photographers and wanted her photos to look unique.
However, police spokesperson Yusof Ahmad said: “Although the bridal shop owner has made a public apology on the matter, the police will continue to investigate the case.”
Ahmad added: “The act of trespassing in the cemetery of other religions has become a sensitive issue.”
If found guilty, the boutique owner could face one year in jail as well as a fine of up to 50,000 MYR (9,440 GBP), according to local media.
Netizen ‘Justcallmechrissy’ said: “For us Christian the cemetery are considered as a scared/holy ground that has been blessed by the priest for the death. (sic)”
‘sehasafhee’ said: “This is not represent muslim. I’m against this rude photoshoot. They should apologize to all christian for this. So inappropriate (sic)”
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