Some people will do anything for fame and that includes using other people.
Jeff and Inthira, prominent Malaysian YouTubers, recently released a video about a distasteful Internet practice. According to the two, there are some who are using phony nude photos of popular figures to gain followers.
Inthira shared in the video that she saw a Twitter post which had pictures of herself. The post stated that if the user got 5000 followers, they would obtain ‘great benefits’ and asked people to share and like the post. The post also had hashtags like “net celebrity nude photos”, “Malaysian internet celebrity porn” and “Internet celebrity wife”.
She took no notice of the post but her friend messaged her the next day asking about another similar post. This user claimed to have private nude photos of Inthira from when she was younger and stated that if their followers exceeded 2000, they would share them. They also tried to sell the photos, adding “If you want to get more (nude photos), you can PM (private message) me and (I will) sell the original photos.”
She saw one of the photos that was released and stated that the person in the photo was not her. Additionally, she said people who do not use social media frequently would not be able to verify its authenticity. Her husband Jeff explained the photo was not a composite photo, it was merely an imposter posing as Inthira.
According to Jeff, scams like these are common. Photos of local internet celebrities like Shu Sen, Qui Wen, and Tong Tong have been synthesised with ‘face changing’ technology like Deepfake. He also warned their viewers about taking nude photos for reasons like money, fame or at the request of others. The consequences could be disastrous.
Jeff clarified that they were making this video to clear his wife’s name and to protect their business’ reputation. He is planning to find the scammers and hopefully take legal action.
Netizens were supportive of the couple and rightfully offended on Inthira’s behalf. Some advised them to hand the matter to the authorities.
Sources: China Press, China Times, YouTube
