In the ever-evolving world of social media collaborations and influencer marketing, transparency and trust are everything. But what happens when a deal between a brand and a content creator goes south? Recently, this question took center stage when Turkish digital influencer Türkan Atay publicly called out renowned Pakistani fashion designer Maria B for alleged unprofessional behavior and non-payment for a PR collaboration.
Who is Türkan Atay?
Türkan Atay is not your average digital creator. Born in Turkey but deeply connected to Pakistan, Türkan completed her education in Pakistan and eventually tied the knot with her Pakistani university fellow and close friend, Zaka. Today, with an impressive Instagram following of over 853,000, she has become a beloved figure in the Pakistani digital landscape. Her engaging Urdu content resonates deeply with her audience, setting her apart as a culturally fluent influencer who bridges two worlds.
The PR Controversy with Maria B
Things took a dramatic turn recently when Türkan Atay took to her Instagram stories to publicly accuse Maria B and her team of dishonoring a PR agreement. Türkan alleged that the designer failed to pay the mutually agreed amount for a promotional campaign.
Her exact words were direct and unapologetic:
“Maria and her team is so fraud. Maria herself is an extremely fraud woman. If I will start catching her lies, they won’t end… You think that you can buy people through your money. You can do this to poor people, not me! I won’t stay quiet… You have to publicly apologize from me and keep your money to yourself.”
Türkan didn’t stop there—she exposed multiple instances of what she described as deceptive behavior, including claims that Maria B’s team lied about scheduling meetings, blocked her on social media, and manipulated the situation publicly. The influencer also referenced past controversies involving Maria B, including how she allegedly treated house help during the COVID-19 pandemic and how she used sensitive global issues, like Palestine, for brand promotion.
Türkan’s Strong Message
Her fiery statements included accusations of deceit, manipulation, and hypocrisy. In one of her stories, Türkan added:
“You can’t play games with anyone, especially me. Do fraud with your actors, not me. I will take you to the court.”
This fierce and public confrontation struck a chord with many of Türkan’s followers, who rallied behind her. Her refusal to back down highlighted a broader issue in influencer-brand partnerships—where sometimes creators are undervalued or disrespected despite fulfilling their end of the deal.
Maria B’s Response
On the other side of the controversy, Maria B broke her silence and addressed the situation in her own statement. She claimed that the influencer had approached her for a campaign, which was agreed upon, and that payments had not been denied but merely delayed due to an internal issue involving a junior PR employee.
“This Turkish influencer has created so much scandal on social media, but I stayed quiet because one of my junior PR girls made a mistake… Now what should I do with that girl—throw her under the bus? We haven’t refused to pay Türkan. We tried contacting her, but she responded aggressively.”
Maria B expressed that her intention was never to be unfair and emphasized that their team was working on resolving the issue.
Social Media Reacts: Divided Opinions
This heated dispute has divided the digital world. While many are applauding Türkan Atay for her bravery and standing up for what she believes is right, others are siding with Maria B, believing this to be a simple case of miscommunication and delay rather than fraud.
Numerous users and influencers have come forward with their own stories—some backing Türkan’s version by sharing similar experiences, and others defending Maria B’s reputation as a long-standing figure in the Pakistani fashion industry.
The Bigger Picture
This controversy isn’t just about one influencer and one brand. It shines a spotlight on the importance of professionalism, ethics, and respect in the influencer marketing space. Digital creators today hold immense power and influence, and it’s crucial for brands to treat them fairly. Likewise, content creators must also approach such situations responsibly and ensure communication channels are exhausted before going public.
As the debate continues to unfold on social media, it serves as a reminder to brands and influencers alike—authenticity and accountability matter now more than ever.