Source: OT-Team(G), 哈萨克斯坦通讯社
Kazakh blogger Aruzhan Aibekova (transliteration) recently sparked widespread debate after posting prank videos filmed in public places in China and Uzbekistan, in which she made physical contact with strangers.
Following the online uproar, Aibekova was subjected to administrative punishment. In an exclusive interview with a Kazinform correspondent, she discussed the motives behind her actions and reflected on the controversy.
"I Wanted to Make People Smile"
Kazinform: Aruzhan, please introduce yourself. Where are you from, and how did you start blogging?
Aibekova: I'm from Taldykorgan, 19 years old, currently studying marketing at Qamalladin University. I've been fascinated by the media industry since childhood, so even though my major is different, I began creating content about a year ago. At first, I experimented with various types of videos, and later I started producing subway prank content. There are very few female bloggers doing this kind of content in the CIS region. I now have around 1.2 million followers, most of whom are from abroad. My main goal is to bring people joy.
"I Didn't Intend to Offend Anyone"
Kazinform: Your videos are indeed unique. Why did you choose this kind of prank format?
Aibekova: I tried many formats, but I found subway pranks the most entertaining and best received by audiences. All my videos are shot openly and spontaneously — I never prearrange scenes or actors.
Kazinform: Your pranks filmed in China and Uzbekistan caused heated discussions. How do you view that now?
Aibekova: The video that drew attention in China was filmed during a business trip. I didn't mean any harm — I simply didn't understand the cultural differences. The goal wasn't to defame China. Later, rumors spread online that I had been detained or charged, but that was false; I only received a verbal warning.
As for the video filmed in Tashkent, it was a team decision. Some people said, "Didn't she learn her lesson from last time?" I actually suggested deleting the video, but since it was a group project, I couldn't veto it.
I hold no resentment toward China. The controversy drew so much attention that I decided to return to Kazakhstan. If it hadn't happened, I would have continued doing business in China.
We've also collaborated with Uzbek bloggers on positive content — such as giving flowers, offering food, and organizing street performances. In the subway prank, I only lightly touched men's arms or hands — I never crossed any boundaries. That video reached nearly 13 million views. I don't believe I'm guilty of wrongdoing, but after this incident, I no longer plan to create such pranks. The negative comments from Uzbekistan made me deeply upset, and I even faced personal attacks.
"I Respect Every Country's Culture and Laws"
Kazinform: Some critics said your videos conflicted with the image of Kazakh women and violated cultural norms in China and Uzbekistan. What's your response?
Aibekova: I understand that now. I respect the laws and cultures of every country, and I sincerely apologize for the video filmed in China. I didn't realize at the time how strict the regulations were or that it would cause such a reaction.
In Kazakhstan, young people are more open-minded, while in Uzbekistan they tend to be more reserved. My only intention was to spread happiness. In the CIS context, this type of content isn't unusual, and I don't believe I damaged Kazakhstan's image.
That said, I'll be more careful in the future. I plan to continue making light-hearted videos, but will avoid sensitive topics. This experience has made me more cautious — and also made me aware of the disappointment felt by my family and friends.
"I Accepted the Court's Decision"
Kazinform: You've been fined over the incident. Do you think the penalty was fair?
Aibekova: At first, I didn't understand why Kazakhstan fined me, since the video was filmed in Uzbekistan. But the court explained that, as a Kazakh citizen, the case was handled domestically. The court ruled that my actions "provoked public anger and caused a social reaction." I accepted the fine — 20 monthly calculation indices, about 78,000 tenge — under the clause on "minor hooliganism" in the Administrative Code.
The court also mentioned elements of sexual harassment in the video, which I disagree with. My intent was humor, not harassment. There are many women who experience real harassment on public transport; in the future, I may create awareness videos on that issue.
I accepted the judge's decision. The judge also gave me advice about proper etiquette and behavior expected of Kazakh women.
"This Has Been a Lesson Learned"
Kazinform: Will you continue making similar videos?
Aibekova: This whole experience has made me rethink a lot. The online insults were emotionally overwhelming. I plan to report malicious accounts, though many are anonymous. No matter what you post these days, someone will criticize it. I won't film such pranks again in countries neighboring Kazakhstan. If I travel elsewhere, I'll be much more cautious.
Kazinform: Thank you for speaking with us.
Background
Earlier reports stated that Aruzhan Aibekova was investigated in Almaty after posting controversial prank videos filmed in China and Uzbekistan.
According to Almaty police, the blogger deliberately made physical contact with strangers in public and uploaded the footage online. After the incident in China, she had been given a preventive warning, but soon after, she filmed similar content in Uzbekistan. The case was registered under "minor hooliganism" and referred to court. Authorities noted that Aibekova had engaged in similar behavior in the past but failed to draw lessons from it.
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