Lahore: Prominent Pakistani fashion designer Maria B has officially responded to the ongoing social media storm involving Turkish influencer Türkan Atay. The controversy, centered on an alleged payment conflict, has sparked wide public interest and raised questions about brand-influencer collaborations.
Maria B Breaks Her Silence
On April 23, Maria B posted an official statement on her Instagram account. The brand emphasized its longstanding commitment to honesty and respect in professional relationships.
“We’ve always stood by honesty and respect in all our partnerships,” the statement read.
Maria B acknowledged a delay in communication related to the payment. She confirmed that her team made an initial payment and later offered the remaining amount. However, the designer claimed that Türkan Atay refused to engage in private resolution efforts and continued sharing “false and damaging content” about the brand.
Read: Turkan Atay Accuses Maria B of Unpaid Dues After Turkish Brand Shoot
Legal Action on the Table
Maria B’s statement clarified that the issue stemmed from a miscommunication by a junior PR employee. She stressed that the mistake was unintentional and that her team attempted to correct it.
“Full payment was offered, and multiple efforts were made to resolve the matter privately,” the post stated.
With Türkan’s continued public criticism, Maria B now plans to consider legal options. She expressed concern about reputational damage and confirmed the brand’s decision to defend itself through legal channels if necessary.
Türkan Atay’s Allegations
Türkan Atay, a Turkish influencer who produces Urdu content, claimed she was hired to manage a campaign shoot for Maria B’s upcoming collection in Türkiye. She alleged the brand had agreed to pay her per outfit but instead made a lump-sum payment.
Atay shared screenshots of WhatsApp conversations, showing the brand’s PR staff admitting to missing the agreed terms. In her Instagram videos, Atay accused Maria B of blocking her on social media and failing to clear the dues.
She also issued a legal notice demanding $8,000, which included unpaid dues, legal fees, and damages for emotional distress. The notice also called for a public apology.
The Dresses Remain Unreturned
Maria B also mentioned in her posts that Türkan Atay retained the designer dresses used for the shoot. She argued that this was further evidence of unprofessional conduct.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The controversy has divided netizens. Some users support Türkan for speaking up, while others believe she could have handled the matter more professionally. TV host Nadia Khan commented on the issue, stating that while Türkan may have a case, her aggressive tone damages her credibility. She also urged Maria B to take responsibility for her staff’s actions.
The Dispute Continues
As of now, both parties stand firm. Türkan insists on full accountability and an apology, while Maria B defends her actions and warns of legal consequences. The dispute highlights the need for clearer contracts and communication in influencer-brand deals.
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