KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — The defamation suit filed by renowned high-performance transformation coach Syed Mohammad Murad Syed Naseem, better known as Murad “Baddestcoach” Zaidi, against social media influencer Caprice will proceed to full trial following the failure of both parties to reach an amicable settlement at the High Court here.

Murad Zaidi’s lawyer Datuk M. Reza Hassan confirmed that the case could not be resolved through mediation because his client did not accede to the proposed terms of settlement.

He added that the mediation proceedings, which took place on July 31 and lasted nearly four hours, were attended by both Caprice, whose real name is Ariz Ramli, and Murad Zaidi.

“The next case management before Judge Kan Weng Hin is scheduled for Sept 7 to update the court on the filing of the cause papers,” he said.

Meanwhile, attempts to obtain comments from Caprice’s lawyer Megat Syazlee Mokhtar were unsuccessful.

Murad Zaidi filed the defamation suit on Aug 4 last year, claiming that Caprice had posted false and malicious content portraying him as being involved in criminal activities and organised crime.

The plaintiff claimed that his reputation and dignity were damaged as a result of the publications, noting that the defendant commands significant influence on Instagram with more than 1.5 million followers.

On Nov 8 last year, the High Court recorded a consent order compelling Caprice to immediately remove and withdraw nine defamatory statements published on his Instagram account against Murad Zaidi.

The order was recorded after Caprice agreed to comply and further undertook not to republish, redistribute, or disseminate any of the alleged statements in any form.

Under the terms of the draft consent order, Caprice also agreed to refrain from making any further remarks or representations of a similar nature against Murad Zaidi.

Murad Zaidi is widely recognised for redefining elite fitness and corporate performance culture in Malaysia through his flagship brand, Badcave Training Facility.

Following this undertaking, Murad Zaidi withdrew his interim injunction application against Caprice, with no order as to costs. However, the substantive defamation suit remains ongoing.

In a subsequent statement, Murad Zaidi expressed his desire for the case to proceed to full trial to clear his name and restore his reputation, which he claimed had been severely tarnished. He added that he remained hopeful that justice would prevail. — Bernama