SHAH ALAM (Nov 2): The Sessions Court on Monday dismissed rapper Caprice's application to stay payment of RM220,000 in damages and costs awarded to independent preacher Ebit Lew in a defamation suit involving statements made in 2023.

Judge Zuhrina Mohamed Nor rejected the application filed by Caprice, whose real name is Ariz Ramli, 40, in August following the court's ruling against him over seven defamatory statements made through podcasts and video clips.

The court also ordered Caprice to pay RM2,000 in costs for the unsuccessful application.

Ebit was represented by lawyers Datuk Akberdin Abdul Kader and Fatin Izyan Mazlan, while lawyer Mohd Rezan Ezra Muhammad Mosinal appeared for Caprice.

On Aug 17, the court ruled in Ebit's favour and ordered Caprice to apologise and pay RM220,000 in damages and costs. 

The award comprised RM50,000 each in general, exemplary, compensatory and aggravated damages, along with RM20,000 in legal costs.

Caprice was also ordered to publish and circulate an apology to Ebit on social media platforms under his control within 48 hours of the court order being sealed.

Ebit filed the defamation suit on Sept 29, 2023, alleging that Caprice's recordings portrayed him as having sexually harassed and exploited Indonesian influencer Mondy Tatto.

He also claimed the statements depicted him as irresponsible and someone who exploited religion for personal gain.

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