Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt has publicly apologised after an old clip from a TikTok Live session with fellow content creator Zaid Ali resurfaced this week, sparking major backlash across social media.
In the clip, Butt reacted to Zaid Ali’s blank expression by making a crude comparison involving child sexual abuse. The remark spread quickly online, drawing anger from ordinary users as well as several Pakistani celebrities, including actress Sehar Khan, who publicly called him out. Many social media users argued that joking about such a serious crime normalises it and hurts survivors, with some even demanding that authorities take action against him.
Facing mounting criticism, Butt posted an apology on his Instagram Stories, in both English and Urdu. He admitted his comment was deeply inappropriate and said no joke on such a topic should ever be considered acceptable, regardless of intent. He acknowledged that this kind of dark humour is sometimes normalised in casual conversations among young men, but insisted that this does not excuse it. Butt said the reality of child abuse in Pakistan is painful enough that he should have chosen his words far more carefully.
He also apologised directly to anyone whose feelings were hurt or whose personal trauma may have resurfaced because of his comment, adding that the clip being old did not make it acceptable. He said he is working to become more thoughtful about what he says publicly.
The episode has reignited debate about how far online creators can go for humour, especially on unscripted livestreams, and about their responsibility when discussing sensitive subjects like abuse.
