Popular video platform TikTok was left with millions of one-star reviews after one user, Faizal Siddiqui, posted a video of a spoof acid attack.
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The very obvious attempt at humour did not look at all like an acid attack but it's the premise that mattered most and viewers were left absolutely outraged.
In the clip, the Indian video creator was threatening a woman who was trying to break up with him. Siddiqui then throws water at the woman's face. Then the clip cuts to the woman whose face was covered in burns and bruises created by make-up effects to imitate the effects of acid.
The negative response to the video caused people to band together and leave TikTokthe worst reviews they could causing the platform to go from 4.5 stars to 1.2 stars.Googlehas taken the matter into their own hands and deleted more than 5 million of the reviews as they believe people have created fake accounts just to leave bad reviews.
Still, despite deleting the reviewsTikTokstill remains below two stars. The company has also deleted the video stating:
As per the policy, we do not allow content that risks the safety of others, promotes physical harm, or glorifies violence against women. The behaviour in question violates our guidelines and we have taken down content, suspended the account, and are working with law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
Siddiqui has also released a video apologising for his actions stating:
As a social media influencer, I realise my responsibility and apologise to anyone who was offended by the video.
