Turkish influencer takes legal action against Pakistani designer over unpaid dues

Turkish influencer Turkan Atay has issued a legal notice to renowned Pakistani designer Maria B, demanding $8,000 in unpaid dues and a public apology.

According to media reports, Atay was hired to manage production for Maria B’s 2025 campaign shoot in Turkey but claims she received only partial payment.

Atay reportedly stated that she was contracted on a per-outfit basis, covering all production costs, including location rentals, models, and videography. However, after the project was completed, she claims the brand disputed the original terms, arguing that payments were made per social media reel instead.

To support her allegations, Atay shared screenshots on Instagram, purportedly showing prior agreements with Maria B’s PR team.

Filed on April 24 through her lawyer, Atay’s legal notice demands payment within seven days along with a written public apology across all platforms where defamatory content was shared.

She also claims to have suffered significant mental distress and loss of professional opportunities due to reputational harm.

In response, Maria B’s legal team served a defamation notice to Turkan Atay. The designer is demanding an unconditional apology within 14 days, the removal of all allegedly defamatory posts, and damages amounting to Rs100 million (approximately $360,000).

The notice reportedly describes Atay’s allegations as "baseless, malicious, and intended to tarnish Maria B’s reputation," while also highlighting the designer’s involvement in social activism. 

Maria B’s notice further alleges that Atay’s Instagram posts — including claims of dishonesty and offensive language — have caused widespread reputational damage both nationally and internationally.

As the situation unfolds, both parties have taken the dispute public, exchanging legal threats amid continued social media sparring.