A TikTok star who was reportedly kidnapped and beaten launched a bizarre attack against the media as he returned to his cafe just days after the horrifying ordeal.
Jacob Najjar, the owner of Thirsty Monkey, was reportedly dragged from his unit on Grazier Street in Lidcombe, in Sydney‘s west, at around midnight on Saturday.
After Mr Najjar was reportedly taken, the 36-year-old was driven to a place at an unknown address where he is understood to have been beaten and stabbed.
He is understood to have been held for 24 hours before he was dumped on Lower Washington Drive in Bonnet Bay, in Sydney’s south, on Sunday night – about 30kms from where he was kidnapped.
Thirsty Monkey shared a video of a smiling Mr Najjar back at work on Wednesday.
Jacob Najjar is seen back at work at the Thirsty Monkey after he was reportedly assaulted over the weekend
‘Thank you for everyone’s concerns, Jacob is fine and he’s back at work, people spreading fake news, trying to get some viewers & following on this app,’ the caption read.
‘Thirsty Monkey is not closed and is and will always be safe to visit. We will continue with our unbeatable acai, much love to everyone and thank you for the support.’
Mr Najjar was seen making an acai bowl in the video as he talked into the camera.
‘You know what the news are like, anything for some clickbait,’ he said.
‘Don’t worry about the news, don’t worry about anything. We’re still open and we’re still grinding.’
NSW Police said they have launched an investigation into the incident.
Mr Najjar was treated by paramedics after being found in Bonnet Bay, before being taken to hospital in a stable condition.
The TikTokker has opened up cafes in Parramatta, Wentworth Point and Marrickville with his business a hit among locals due to its popular acai bowls.
His business TikTok page has more than 20,000 followers while his personal Instagram account has over 37,000.
Mr Najjar was once pictured with senior members of the Alameddine crime network.
Daily Mail Australia does not suggest any wrongdoing by Mr Najjar.
Days before Mr Najjar was reportedly kidnapped, he was videoed working in his cafe and mixing a pistachio spread.
Mr Najjar was seen dressed in a black shirt and a pair of black track pants with his back turned to the camera while he stands over a large black electric mixer.
The businessman was allegedly kidnapped and beaten on Saturday night
‘Couldn’t get my hands on pistachio anymore because my supplier couldn’t keep up with my demand,’ he said.
‘So I became my own supplier.’
The video then cuts to the mixer churning large quantities of the paste.
‘Check this out,’ a beaming Mr Najjar said. ‘We make our own pistachio now.’
Moments later, he is seen pouring the silky mixture into a small container.
‘Look how smooth that is now,’ he said. ‘Might even change career…start making spreads.’
He then quipped: ‘Just remember one thing if it doesn’t have the monkey baby it ain’t Thirsty Monkey.’
Thirsty Monkey has been contacted for further comment.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk
