Malaysian actor Danish Iskandar, 17, made nationwide headlines this week following his appearance in Blued’s original BL (Boys’ Love) web series titled “Stay Away From Me”.
For context, the recent issue sparked controversy after several scenes in the series were reposted on TikTok. Apart from the fact that it touches on the topic of LGBTQ, the production team for the online drama has also been widely criticised for casting a minor actor!
@wifeofmew weyhh Malaysia buat BL😱 #stayawayfromme #blmalaysia #danishiskandar #reeseayman #foryoupage #fypシ
Following this, Danish later came up with a series of statements on his Twitter, @danishlehh, to explain his side of the story. According to him, he had no idea that the series would be promoted on the same-sex dating app. “The contract didn’t directly state that the drama is about promoting the gay app. In fact, they didn’t inform me anything concerning the (gay) scenes,” Danish clarified.
In another Twitter update, the “Shah Alam 40000” star explained, “The production didn’t clarify about the gay app. They just gave the storyline which had nothing to do with those scenes. So they added certain scenes that aren’t in the storyboard at the last minute. So yeah, it was my fault for proceeding with the shooting. I won’t do it again. I was victimised by the circumstances.”
For those who are interested, you are free to check out his full explanation on his TikTok here:
https://www.tiktok.com/@danishleh_/video/7038600376995548443?_d=secCgwIARCbDRjEFSADKAESPgo8BuJGJPbwHTlyMayz%2FLnn7gmt6X3TmvPGIrLFgBCl7nky65Au5qcZmu6KoOpYG5%2Fen%2Bg1D%2B8hPVn5w2drGgA%3D&checksum=40968ea1fdf82c260821b7d3cd12007339b1ecd4ea0fb218f6443429a9299dbf&language=en&mid=7038600450576321306&preview_pb=0®ion=MY&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAABPpjs4EoWH2D1MoYCV90A4IGEBXFedmIVbrMguc6HYXB8du6Gr9gTPZqt3nEgEzL&share_app_id=1180&share_item_id=7038600376995548443&share_link_id=61FCEB66-2A8A-4D68-B666-EC546CC43D8B&source=h5_t×tamp=1638857383&tt_from=copy&u_code=defkdhhf436ggg&user_id=6874422930215928833&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=copy&_r=1
Danish later revealed that his parents had already proceeded to take legal action against the production crew for refusing to be responsible in handling this matter. “I’m sorry for everything if there’s anything wrong, I will be careful and more aware next time. Please do keep me in your prayers,” he tweeted.
In his subsequent post on his Instagram Story early this morning (Tuesday, 7th December), the young lad also stated that he will no longer issue any responses or statements after receiving advice from his legal representative. It was also revealed by the actor’s manager that a press conference will be held in the near future.
In a separate news report by Gempak, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) revealed that they’ll be referring the case to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to enable an investigation to be carried out.
Religious Affairs Minister, Idris Ahmad, emphasised that the LGBT culture is against the norms and the Malaysian culture. Apart from that, he also revealed that the state religious department will call upon the actor in question for confirmation.
Sources: Oh My Media, Twitter, Gempak.
