UPDATE: An urgent battle is unfolding as 18-year-old pastry chef Zufi Abdul fights to regain control of his thriving Instagram account, Cannoli Boss, which was abruptly shut down by Meta on July 11, 2023. Zufi, who has built a booming dessert business, feels “helpless” after being informed that a video he posted allegedly violated community guidelines on child abuse and nudity.
The controversial 16-second video showcased Zufi in his kitchen, displaying his delicious cannoli, purchasing ingredients, and interacting with fellow cooks. The caption read: “Cannoli hustling, not schoolwork.” Despite this, Instagram slapped him with the ban, leaving Zufi in disbelief. “I was straight up banned with no warning,” he told 7NEWS. “I appealed but was told to seek legal counsel if I wasn’t happy.”
Zufi vehemently disputes the claims against him, noting that the same video was shared on TikTok without issue. He has since reached out through Instagram’s online channels and even visited Meta’s Australian headquarters in Sydney in hopes of resolving the matter.
“I feel like my reputation is absolutely shattered,” he lamented. “I’m still trying to track down customers to reimburse them for orders I can’t fulfill.” The young chef, who is also preparing for his HSC trials, expressed that 18 months of hard work are now “in the bin” as he desperately seeks to regain access to his account, which has over 1,400 followers and is critical for his small business.
“I rely on Instagram. I’m Gen Z — I’m always on social media,” Zufi added. He is hopeful that Meta will reinstate his account and issue an apology.
As of now, Meta has not responded to requests for comments regarding Zufi’s case. This situation underscores the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs navigating the digital landscape, particularly when their livelihoods are disproportionately impacted by the decisions of social media giants.
Zufi gained media attention earlier this year when he appeared on Channel 7’s The Morning Show, where he showcased his culinary talents. During the segment, he shared that his passion for cooking blossomed during the lockdown, humorously stating, “A cannoli is my energy source” when asked how he balances his business with studies. His signature cannoli tower has quickly become a popular alternative to traditional cakes for celebrations.
The clock is ticking for Zufi as he awaits a resolution that could determine the future of his dessert business. His story resonates with many young entrepreneurs who rely heavily on social media for success.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Zufi continues his fight for justice and recognition in the culinary world.
