Instagram influencers apologise after private leaked MMS video clip goes viral

Social media influencers Sofik SK and Dustu Sonali, known for their joint reels and lifestyle content, have been drawn into a storm online after an intimate clip was reportedly posted without their consent. The MMS, which spread rapidly across Instagram and messaging apps, triggered heated debate and renewed concerns about privacy breaches involving digital creators.

The Bengali influencer pair each released videos on their own Instagram profiles this week to respond to the controversy. In both statements, the couple alleged that a shared friend, who had access to their phones and account passwords, leaked the footage after attempts to blackmail them failed.

“A breach of trust”

Speaking in Bengali in his clip, Sofik SK said he never kept a copy of the video himself and relied on his partner to store their shared content. He claimed that the friend was treated as family. “The video was in Sonali’s phone. Our phones were trusted with someone who knew the passcodes and passwords. He took the clip and tried to use it to pressurise us. When contact was cut, he uploaded it online,” he said, adding that the alleged act of revenge felt “like a betrayal from someone seen as a brother.”

Dustu Sonali also apologised to followers for the clip going viral, but clarified it was a personal moment filmed privately between her and Sofik. In emotional remarks, she alleged the leak had altered her daily life. She said the footage had caused distress, triggered online harassment, and restricted her movement outside. She also confirmed that a legal complaint had been filed with the cybercrime unit and relevant authorities to investigate the matter.

In the same video, Sonali warned that if the issue was escalated further by the accused friend, additional complaints could be lodged involving his immediate family members. Advocates and digital rights commentators quickly criticised that section of her remarks, saying legal action should remain focused on the alleged offender and avoid reference to relatives.

Growing unease among creators

The controversy struck a chord with influencers across the region, many of whom said the incident showed how easily private content can be weaponised in the age of account sharing, saved passwords, and cloud-linked galleries.

Bangladesh-based social media analyst Tanzim Huda said the case could shape conversations about securing personal devices. “Phone passwords should not be shared, even with close circles. Saved login credentials can open doors to misuse. Influencers live online, but the boundary between public content and private files must stay firm,” he said.

Instagram has community rules that prohibit sharing intimate content without consent. The platform commonly removes such clips when flagged, though viral spread through messaging apps often happens faster than takedowns.

Sofik SK has over 500,000 followers, often referred to locally as 5 lakh, on Instagram. His profile carries roughly 45 videos, mostly reels involving dancing and song lip-syncing, many featuring Sonali. Dustu Sonali’s account lists her as an “artist” and has more than 312,000 followers, 130 posts, and about 130 uploads that regularly include collaborative couple content.

Cybercrime authorities have urged users to report harassment, extortion, and leaked private clips immediately, adding that digital footprints can help trace the original uploader even if the files are later deleted.

Both influencers said support from followers was a source of comfort during the uproar, as online users called for better awareness about consent and stronger penalties for digital blackmail and privacy violations.