If you’re an anime fan, you’d likely have attended the long-awaited Anime Fest held last week at Paradigm Mall! After all, it was a dream come true for any fan. With booths boasting merch, cosplayers galore and people who share interests, what wasn’t to like?
Unfortunately, not everyone had a good time. One cosplayer in particular shared how she had been harassed by a ‘fan’. To make matters worse, the police supposedly refused to take her seriously and even claimed she deserved the consequences!
Well-known local cosplayer, Pudds recently shared her experience at the Anime Fest. According to the 21-year-old, she was accosted by a stalker at her booth. The stalker had been crying while asking for a photo and also asked her to unblock him from a social platform. Although Pudds requested for him to leave, he refused and even threatened to commit suicide if she didn’t do as he asked.
After authorities stepped in to help deal with the situation, Pudds decided to make an official report at the police station. She stated that she had gone to the station in her cosplay as she had intended to make the report quickly. However, she was taken aback when the police did not treat her case seriously. “The officer told me, “You wear (clothes) like this, sell photos like this, this is your consequence. You are also in the wrong.” A stalking (incident) suddenly became a slut shaming (issue),” Pudds commented wryly. “Buy one free one.”
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The cosplayer added that the police had told her to “go back to school” once they learned her age. “Are you a model from an agency? If not, don’t do (this),” they supposedly said. Pudds was furious with the treatment. However, she stated she ended up agreeing with the cop as she simply wanted to get the matter over with. She also uploaded photos of the outfit she had been wearing, a well-covered maid outfit. Pudds added she had worn a jacket over her outfit “out of respect”.
Police are currently looking into the matter. According to the Petaling Jaya district police chief Mohamad Fakhruddin Abdul Hamid, an investigation had been launched yesterday (17th May) after discovering the post online. It was revealed that Pudds had lodged the report at the Kelana Jaya police station on 16th May. Mohamad Fakhruddin made it clear that they would be investigating those involved for their breach in discipline. According to Malaysiakini, the police will release a statement regarding the issue soon.
Pudds stated that she is fine, although physically and mentally tired. It’s understandable. After all, being harassed and victim-blamed can be frustrating, especially when authorities refuse to listen to you. We hope Pudds’ case will be closed soon and justice served.
Sources: Twitter, China Press, Malaysiakini, Malay Mail
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