Jacob Najjar: Thirsty Monkey owner’s bizarre attack as he returns to work days after kidnapping
- Jacob Najjar was reportedly kidnapped
- He was seen back at work on Wednesday
A TikTok star who was allegedly kidnapped and beaten launched a bizarre attack on the media as he returned to his cafe just days after the horrific ordeal.
Jacob Najjar, the owner of Thirsty Monkey, was reportedly dragged from his unit on Grazier Street in Lidcombe, in Sydney’s west, around midnight on Saturday.
After Mr Najjar was allegedly taken, the 36-year-old was driven to a location at an unknown address where he was allegedly beaten and stabbed.
It is believed he was held captive for 24 hours before being dumped on Lower Washington Drive in Bonnet Bay, in Sydney’s south, on Sunday evening, about 30 kilometers from where he was abducted.
On Wednesday, Thirsty Monkey shared a video of a smiling Mr. Najjar returning to work.
Jacob Najjar is seen returning to work at the Thirsty Monkey after he was reportedly attacked over the weekend
‘Thanks for everyone’s concern, Jacob is doing well and back to work. People are spreading fake news and trying to get some viewers and followers for this app,” the caption read.
‘Thirsty Monkey is not closed and is and always will be safe to visit. We continue with our unbeatable acai, much love to everyone and thank you for the support.’
Mr. Najjar was seen in the video making an acai bowl while speaking into the camera.
“You know how the news is, 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 cafes in Parramatta, Wentworth Point and Marrickville and his business is a hit with locals for its popular acai bowls.
His business TikTok page has more than 20,000 followers, while his personal Instagram account has more than 37,000.
Mr Najjar was once pictured with leading members of the Alameddine crime network.
Ny Breaking Australia suggests no wrongdoing by Mr Najjar.
Days before Mr Najjar was allegedly kidnapped, he was videotaped mixing a pistachio paste in his cafe.
Mr. Najjar was seen wearing a black shirt and black sweatpants with his back turned to the camera as he stood over a large black electric mixer.
The businessman was kidnapped and beaten on Saturday evening
“I couldn’t get any more pistachios because my supplier couldn’t meet my demand,” he said.
‘So I became my own supplier.’
The video then transitions to the mixer stirring large amounts of pasta.
“Look,” said a beaming Mr. Najjar. ‘We now make our own pistachio.’
A moment later you see him pour the silky mixture into a small container.
“Look how smoothly that goes now,” he said. “Maybe even change careers… start making spreads.”
He then joked, “Remember one thing: If there’s no baby monkey, it’s not Thirsty Monkey.”
Thirsty Monkey has been contacted for further comment.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.