Nowadays, many internet celebrities are turning to pranks to create content. It’s an especially common trend among Malaysian YouTubers. Earlier this month, Mizan Majid uploaded a fake slap prank (Prank Gertak Tampar Orang). Just last week, YouTuber Ammar Nazhan released his own “tangkap basah” (catching people in close proximity) prank video.
Pranks may aim to make people laugh, but it toes a fine line of being funny and being anything but. Recently, another YouTuber caused a controversy when he pranked a food delivery rider from EASI delivery (EASI 百家外卖).
This food delivery rider took to the internet to air his grievances after realising he’d been pranked. According to the screenshots uploaded by the rider, he’d gotten his order on 22nd October around 3:50pm. He was supposed to deliver food to someone named Guo at a certain location, near Semenyih. Upon arrival however, he discovered he was in fact delivering food to Nirvana Memorial Park, a cemetery.
Furious, he contacted the customer to ask about the matter. “(This is so funny),” the customer responded. “I’m sorry, bro. Do you mind being on YouTube? It’s a prank.” Their answer only fanned flames. The rider was quick to scold the YouTuber, saying he should not pull such pranks even if he could afford it. “Please do not bully us who choose to work hard,” he snapped. “Do you think sending someone (to the cemetery is funny? Will it get you a lot of views? Will people enjoy your content?”
The YouTuber apparently tried to calm the situation by wiring RM5000 to the rider. He also requested the rider pick up his call so they could discuss the situation. While most netizens sided with the rider, a few questioned why he had accepted the RM5000.
As the situation went viral, EASI delivery stepped in to handle the matter. They started their own investigation and contacted both parties to discuss the issue. Surprisingly, the company claimed it wasn’t as straightforward as the rider had said. According to a spokesperson, the order made by the customer had not been registered by the system. As such, it was purely a transaction between the rider and the YouTuber.
Company policy prohibits private orders, but apparently the rider had been threatened by the customer. “(The customer) said they would give him a bad review if he didn’t deliver the food to (them) and also promised to pay him RM50,” the spokesperson said. The YouTuber’s account on the food delivery platform has since been suspended. The company has declared that they are siding with the rider. They hope to do everything possible to protect his rights.
This prank was pretty expensive, but was it worth it? Regardless of whether the prank was actually funny or not, we hope these internet celebrities take into account the possible consequences. After all, a joke is only funny if everyone laughs.
Sources: China Press (1)(2), Facebook
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