Russian social media sensation sparks controversy by 'hitting' his cat

Hasbulla Magomedov is a 20-year-old Russian influencer who gained popularity on social media due to his unique appearance and humorous content.

He has amassed a significant following on various platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Hasbulla has also participated in several celebrity boxing matches and has been praised for his sportsmanship and positive attitude.

However, a recent video of him striking his cat has drawn reaction from his fans and followers. In response to the backlash, Hasbulla released a statement claiming that he was merely giving his cat a gentle reprimand and that people were blowing the incident out of proportion.

In the footage, he can be seen gently pulling his cat's ear and then lightly hitting her before she runs away and jumps into a box. He then strikes her more forcefully on the head while reprimanding her in Russian. 

Why is @Hasbulla_NFT doing this to his cat? pic.twitter.com/u9BebjRGsq

— Sam (@SamDaKilla1) March 28, 2023

On Friday, he addressed the issue in a video statement in an effort to provide the "full picture". He stated, "Those who think I was beating the cat, pulling its ear, and so on, I only pulled its ear gently. I understand that people are waiting for me to slip up so they can attack me and say, 'you do this, you do that.' Barksik was misbehaving, and I simply pulled its ear to correct its behaviour, that's all."I cherish my cat more than anything else, and if I didn't love her, she wouldn't be living with me. Cats are my favourite animals, and when she acted out, I scolded her a little. You're criticizing me for no reason,"  

For everyone asking me without the full picture. ????❤️ pic.twitter.com/9FMmbaF4zc

— Hasbulla (@Hasbulla_NFT) March 31, 2023

The video caused an uproar on social media, particularly on Twitter, where many users expressed their outrage over his behaviour. The incident sparked a heated debate about animal cruelty and raised questions about the ethics of public figures and their responsibilities as role models. 

lost respect for hasbulla, he hits cats

— ͓ (@TRUEZDALEGWG) March 30, 2023

I know that everybody thinks Hasbulla is funny/memeable/entertaining but there is a video circulating that shows him proudly hitting and abusing his cat. Won’t share because I don’t want that on my profile but officially part of the anti-Hasbulla brigade and you should be too.

— AyeshaNFT.eth (@AShawThing_) March 29, 2023

Ok yeah officially boycotting him - no laughs, no support, nothing. In fact I'll actively speak out against him and the heartless actions. Thanks for the heads up.

— fishz (@Fishzz) March 29, 2023

I used to like Hasbulla but this is disgusting, that cat needs to be taken away from him. That poor cat ???? https://t.co/QDiXQws3Oh

— Dr Stevie  (@SteviestStevie) March 29, 2023

That video of Hasbulla abusing a cat is terrible. Ruined my whole day. Someone get me that cat, it deserves to be loved and adored. ???? please don’t post the video here or you will be blocked

— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) March 29, 2023

#JusticeforChuck – Protest against animal abuse, killings in Lahore on Sunday