Actor Adi Putra on lewd photos, messages scandal: 'I don't have to clear my name'

SINGAPORE - Even though his name is currently being dragged through the mud in Malaysia, popular Singaporean actor Adi Putra doesn't see the need to clear it to the media as he believes "the law" will prevail.

He recently found himself in the centre of a scandal when there were reports this month that he had allegedly exchanged lewd photos and messages with an unknown married woman.

His mobile phone has been seized by the Malaysian police and investigations are ongoing.

The 32-year-old is married to Malaysian film producer Aida Yusof, 38.

The usually collected actor has been rather vague with the Malaysian press when probed about the matter.

Speaking with The New Paper last Friday, Adi said a telephone interview from Kuala Lumpur: "Investigations are still ongoing and there is not much that I can say. I have to respect the law."

He is said to have met the 30-year-old woman through photo-sharing app Instagram and started communicating via chat service WhatsApp on July 29.

A source quoted in a report by Malaysia's Berita Harian on Sept 5 said that her 56-year-old businessman husband learnt they were in contact after he saw a picture of Adi on her phone while at a fast-food restaurant at Jalan Skudai-Pontian.

After going through its contents, he was shocked to find what is said to be an exchange of lewd messages and photos between the two.

The source said the husband made a police report at the Skudai police station in Johor Baru.

'Just having fun'

Adi and the woman apparently admitted to the act, adding that they were just "having fun" and that they have never met in person.

Johor Baru North police chief Assistant Commissioner Ruslan Hassan told the New Straits Times that the businessman claimed he saw photographs of Adi's private parts and "offensive sexual remarks" on his wife's mobile phone.

While Adi has not admitted to the alleged actions to the media, he has not denied them either.

When asked why he has not attempted any form of damage control, he said: "It's pointless. I don't have to clear my name because the law is fair and will reveal who is right or wrong in the matter."

When asked if he was the victim in this scandal, again he refused to give a direct response.

"If I say anything, that will 'mengaibkan nama orang lain' (to disgrace someone else) and it's not up to me to do that," he said.

Adi said investigations are drawing to an end and he will know the outcome soon.

[[nid:40589]]

Relationship with wife still strong

For now, his family and career remain his priorities. Adi said the scandal has not affected his relationship with his wife of seven years.

"We are fine and are carrying on as per normal. She's calm and cool because she knows me... Our marriage is still strong and well," he said.

Last year, the couple, who have an 11-month-old daughter, filed for divorce, but retracted it soon after.

Aida had told Malaysia's Berita Harian after the scandal: "People can say whatever they want about my husband, but I trust him because I actually know what took place.

"The controversy did not cause a problem in our marriage. In fact, I have never doubted him."

Incidentally, it occurred around the same time Adi's latest movie KL Gangster 2, which opens here and in Malaysia on Oct 3, made headlines for all the wrong reasons when it was leaked online a month before its release.

Pirated copies of the movies were also sold in Malaysia for as low as RM5 (S$2).

Like co-star and Malaysia-based Singaporean actor Aaron Aziz, Adi, who reprises his role as bad boy gangster Jai in the prequel to 2011's hit blockbuster KL Gangster, is optimistic about the movie despite the situation.

"The experience isn't the same when you watch it on your computers or TV, so people will still head down to the cinemas to watch the movie," he said.

"Of course, I was very upset when it happened, but we carry on in this commitment to the film with the support of everyone."

ashikinr@sph.com.sg

Get The New Paper for more stories.

[[nid:40589]]