TikTok Teacher Issues Public Apology, Says Video Was Sponsored Content
Shi Qi, more popularly known as qiwiie, said the video content was an oversight on her part and apologized publicly on her social media.
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A Malaysian schoolteacher, who’s also a popular content creator on TikTok, got into trouble after posting a video showing her “spot-checking” her students’ bags.
The issue was raised when a Twitter user @amuse_gueule uploaded the teacher’s video online and it garnered largely negative reactions from netizens.
In the video, the teacher named Shi Qi or qiwiie on TikTok opened her students’ bags during a spot-check. Shi Qi also took out a pack of gummy candy from a student’s bag and ate two candies from it.
Netizens criticised her for violating her students’ privacy by using them as content subjects and for opening their bags without permission.
While some supported Shi Qi, others believe there should be a line drawn between content creation and teaching.
A parent also asked @amuse_gueule to remove the post containing the picture of her child as she didn’t give consent to the Twitter user to spread the image. The parent said she only gave consent to Shi Qi to make a video with her daughter.
I am the mother of the girl in your screenshot. I do not consent to you spreading her photo on your twitter. I gave consent to Ms Shi Qi to make a video with her but not for you to spread this picture. I will give you 12 hours to take it down before I take it to court.
— nurhidayahhm (@nurhidayah65446) June 20, 2023
Shi Qi issued a public apology
Due to the growing backlash, Shi Qi removed the video and other videos that involved her students as well.
She also posted a public apology on her social media and clarified that the “spot-check” video was sponsored content.
I would like to apologise to the parents and individuals who were offended by a recent video I posted. I am really sorry. The video was sponsored content. It was filmed during break time and I placed the gummies into the bags before the shoot. I looked through the student’s bags, took out a gummy and ate it.
Shi Qi
She said there were no students in the video and she usually sought parental consent before including any student in her videos.
However, she admitted that she didn’t ask for permission when she opened the school bags as they were used as props.
This is an oversight and my fault, which I deeply regret.
Shi Qi
Shi Qi said she took down the video 20 minutes after it was posted, but copies of the video were already making rounds online, Malay Mail reported.
The issue came to the attention of Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek who said the ministry will consider appropriate intervention measures or actions if a complaint is lodged.
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