Indonesia’s Garuda sues YouTube reviewer Rius Vernandes for mocking handwritten in-flight menu
- The vlogger posted a video on Saturday showing the menu written on a piece of notebook paper
- He is now being sued for defamation after the post went viral, prompting Indonesian social media users to mock the country’s flag carrier
Rius Vernandes, a popular vlogger, posted an Instagram video showing the menu written on a piece of notebook paper on Saturday with the caption: “The menu is still being printed, sir.”
The post went viral and prompted Indonesian social media users to mock the airline.
Rius said he has received a summons from the police in connection with the post.
“We've been reported for defamation. I'm sure you know I had no intention whatsoever to defame anyone,” he said on Instagram.
Thai airline under fire for cabin crew’s selfies with Thanathorn
“I hope you can support me because I don't want anyone to be prosecuted for an honest review and constructive criticism.”
Police confirmed that Garuda had filed a defamation case against Rius.
Garuda came under more criticism on Tuesday after a circular instructing the cabin crew to prohibit passengers from taking photos or videos mid-air circulated on social media.
The airline later clarified that the directive had been withdrawn, but said that passengers are advised to respect other people's privacy by not taking their photos.
“Passengers can take photos for personal use such as selfies as long as they do not inconvenience other passengers,” the company’s spokesman Ikhsan Rosan said in a statement.
