Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

A TikTok video of a fake kidnapping at Studio 53 Karat in Gatineau triggered a major police presence on Friday, August 8.

The video was intended to promote the business. “We wanted to shoot this scene to explain that we were looking for new clients,” explained Ève Karat, owner of Studio 53 Karat. “While we were shooting the scene, a vehicle drove by, believing it was real and calling 911.”

Ms. Karat says she never suspected this action would cause such concern. “We had all our equipment outside, such as tripods and ring lights, but I don’t think the person realized it,” she says. Despite the incident, the police officers showed understanding and no charges were laid. “We apologized to them and to the person,” she said.

The Gatineau Police Department nevertheless denounced this type of behavior, which requires the unnecessary deployment of police resources. “It can also affect the sense of security of the surrounding population,” said Patrick Kenney, a public relations officer at the SPVG.

Ms. Karat also stated that the incident had no connection with her recent announcement regarding her withdrawal from the municipal race alongside Mario Aubé, a municipal councillor for the Masson-Angers district. “I really wanted to help Gatineau become the most beautiful city, but I didn’t realize the workload involved,” she said. For these reasons, Ms. Karat prefers to volunteer, regardless of who is next elected to the mayor’s office. In a few years, she plans to run again as a municipal councillor in the City of Gatineau.