Matchmaking Ramen? Woman’s Photo Used Without Consent in Valentine’s Campaign
A Singaporean woman is speaking out after discovering that her photo, without her permission, was used in a Valentine’s Day matchmaking campaign run by Takagi Ramen, despite her being happily married.
Actress and TikToker Chermaine Kumar shared her story in a viral video,detailing how the situation unfolded.
“On Monday, my mum casually mentioned that her boss was asking for a photo of me and my help for a social media marketing campaign for Valentine’s day,” Kumar explained.
Her mother, it turns out, works as a manager at Takagi Ramen.
“Thinking that it was to engage me as a content creator, my mum replied with two TikTok videos to show him that this is my style of TikTok.” Kumar continued.
Things took an unexpected turn when Kumar’s mother was asked for her age, height, and weight.
“After that, there was no further correspondence on what this was about.”
It wasn’t until the following day that Kumar learned the shocking truth.
“I was so shocked because it turns out my face had been used for a dating social media campaign, or rather, a matchmaking service run by an F&B company,” she revealed.
“I didn’t plan to share this publicly,but after multiple attempts to get the F&B to remove ALL my photos,they’ve shown little accountability. I don’t want people to get the wrong impression that I’m dating, and honestly, it’s unethical for companies to use someone’s image like this without consent. This is not okay. So here’s my side of the story. And happy valentine’s day y’all.
takagi Ramen announced its campaign in a press release, stating, “We’ve noticed many solo diners enjoying our ramen, and we wanted to create a fun and engaging way to foster connections this Valentine’s Day.”
Kumar’s experience highlights an critically important ethical concern surrounding the use of individuals’ images in marketing campaigns. The incident raises critical questions about consent, privacy, and the responsible use of consumer imagery.
Companies must prioritize clarity and respect individual rights. Obtaining explicit consent before using anyone’s image, especially for purposes beyond its intended context, is crucial.
Consumers, simultaneously occurring, should remain vigilant about the potential misuse of their online presence and advocate for their rights when necessary.
Actress’s image Used in Ramen Shop’s matchmaking Campaign Without Consent
A local actress found herself unwittingly embroiled in a controversy after her image was used in a matchmaking campaign by a popular ramen shop. Chermaine, a professional actress, took to social media to express her dismay after discovering her photograph featured alongside detailed personal information without her prior knowledge or consent.
“As a professional actor, I reached out and explained to them that using my image for their brand without permission could really affect future opportunities for me… So I proposed a solution. Why don’t you engage me as a paid actor?” Chermaine stated in a video that garnered over 300,000 views. She expressed her disappointment with the company’s response, alleging they claimed that her mother, who works as a manager at Takagi Ramen, had granted permission.
Miscommunication and Consent Issues
Chermaine emphasized the importance of direct consent, stating, “But this is not a school excursion form where if mummy say can, then you take it as consent. You need to ask me.” she further clarified that had both she and her mother been aware of the campaign’s purpose, they would never have agreed, given her marital status.
“This whole incident has been really unpleasant and distressing simultaneously occurring as I have people telling me every day that they saw me in this matchmaking service,” she lamented.
Takagi Ramen’s Response
In response to a Stomp query, Takagi Ramen issued a statement outlining their viewpoint on the situation. They maintained that Chermaine’s image was used without knowledge of her marital status or refusal to participate. The ramen shop claimed that Chermaine’s mother,as a manager,was fully informed about the campaign’s details,including the use of personal information. They cited a screenshot conversation as evidence of this communication.
Addressing the Misunderstanding
Takagi Ramen emphasized their lack of prior knowledge regarding the level of detail shared between Chermaine and her mother. They stated that based on the information provided by her mother, they acted in good faith assuming consent had been obtained. The company emphasized their regret over the misunderstandings that arose and stated that they had repeatedly apologized to Chermaine through direct communication.
they further stated that the post featuring Chermaine’s image was removed from all platforms within 48 hours of her contacting them about the issue. Takagi Ramen stressed that they acted promptly upon discovering the conflict.The company concluded their statement by asserting that omitting key details, particularly the mother’s role in providing the information and her lack of knowledge, created a misleading narrative.
This incident highlights the importance of obtaining clear and unambiguous consent before using someone’s image or personal information for marketing purposes. It also underscores the complexities that can arise when relying on third-party information, even when provided by individuals in positions of trust.
False Statements and Defamation: Navigating Legal Action
In today’s digital age, the spread of misinformation can have severe consequences.Individuals and organizations are increasingly finding themselves targeted by false statements and defamatory content shared online. When faced with such situations, it’s crucial to understand the legal ramifications and take appropriate action.
The Impact of False Statements
False statements, especially those maliciously made, can cause significant damage to reputation, relationships, and even financial well-being.When these statements are disseminated widely online, the potential for harm is amplified.
Legal Recourse: Seeking Counsel
When confronted with false and defamatory content, it’s advisable to seek immediate legal counsel. “Due to the false statements and misrepresentation of key details in the video, which distort the situation, we are currently seeking legal counsel,” stated a representative. “at this time, we are unable to comment further on the defamatory claims in her video and the misleading portrayal of facts to the public.”
A lawyer specializing in defamation law can assess the situation, advise on the best course of action, and potentially help initiate legal proceedings against the individuals responsible for spreading the false information.
Protecting Yourself Online
While legal action is a crucial step, proactive measures can help minimize the risk of becoming a target of online defamation. These include:
- Building a Strong Online Reputation: Actively cultivate a positive online presence through reputable platforms and engaging content.
- Fact-Checking and Verification: Before sharing information online, verify its accuracy from reliable sources.
- Privacy Settings: Review and adjust privacy settings on social media accounts to control the visibility of personal information.
- Cyberbullying Reporting: Report instances of online harassment and defamation to the relevant platforms.
Conclusion
The proliferation of false information online presents a significant challenge. Understanding defamation laws, seeking legal counsel when necessary, and taking proactive steps to protect your online reputation are essential in navigating this complex landscape. Remember, the power of the internet demands responsibility, critical thinking, and vigilance in safeguarding your digital presence.
