KUALA LUMPUR: Fashion designer Razmi has spoken out after he and his friend, Razman, were attacked by a photographer during an awards event at a hotel recently.
Both sustained facial injuries in the incident.
"Don't make our faces look like this—it makes it difficult for us to earn a living," Razmi said in a video shared on Instagram.
Addressing rumours that the attack was related to unpaid debts, Razmi explained that he never tried to avoid repayment.
He recounted selling his car to the photographer before the Movement Control Order (MCO) and agreeing on installment payments.
However, the photographer allegedly abandoned the car, damaged it, and demanded a refund.
"I told him we would repay in installments, but during the MCO, it was hard to do business.
"Then Razman had a heart attack, which further delayed payments.
"Despite that, we continued working and never cheated anyone," he said.
Razmi claimed to have informed the photographer that the full debt, amounting to RM20,000, would be settled this month.
He even made a partial payment three weeks prior to the incident.
However, the photographer allegedly reacted with threats and public humiliation whenever they met.
The assault occurred after Razmi had finished styling Datuk Seri Vida for the event.
Razman was attacked first, followed by Razmi, who expressed concern about the potential consequences of such violence, especially given Razman's heart condition.
"If Razman had a heart attack and died, what then?" Razmi asked.
The incident took place at 8.40pm while journalists were interviewing Vida.
The photographer suddenly became aggressive, striking Razmi and Razman with his camera. Both suffered cuts to their cheeks and received emergency treatment.
Following the attack, Razmi and Razman lodged a police report at the Mutiara Damansara police station. The authorities have since arrested the photographer.