Actor’s photos of domestic abuse on Instagram sparks outcry: ‘I didn’t want to do this’

Zahnita Wilson alleges she endured two decades of domestic abuse by husband Abdul Zackery Ghouse

Maroosha Muzaffar
Tuesday 03 December 2024 11:18 GMT
Comments
Related video: MP delivers passionate speech on domestic violence

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Malaysian actor Zahnita Wilson has alleged that she endured two decades of domestic abuse by her husband Abdul Zackery Ghouse.

After Wilson, 41, detailed the allegations in an Instagram post, police arrested Mr Ghouse under the country’s Domestic Violence Act and booked him under criminal intimidation charges.

“I didn’t want to do this,” she wrote, “but I am forced to. This is why I left my old house and why I sometimes wear sunglasses.”

The actor’s post included a picture showing Wilson with a black eye.

She was hit in the face, Wilson claimed, “because I asked my husband if he had another girl” and “he couldn’t process the question well enough to give a verbal answer”.

Wilson claimed she had filed police reports over the years but no action was taken against her husband.

Zahnita Wilson claims her repeated pleas to authorities about years of abuse had gone unanswered
Zahnita Wilson claims her repeated pleas to authorities about years of abuse had gone unanswered (@zahnita / Instagram)

Her Instagram post drew messages of support from fellow celebrities as also members of the general public.

“You don’t and never deserve this ever,” actress Sarimah Ibrahim commented.

Kuantan police chief assistant commissioner Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu confirmed Mr Ghouse’s arrest on Monday, Sinar Harian reported.

Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the incident that caused the black eye was allegedly triggered by Wilson’s decision to leave and live separately, which angered her husband and led to the altercation.

“The victim filed a police report on 27 November and her husband was arrested yesterday after reporting to the Kuantan district police headquarters. Today, the suspect was brought to court for a remand application,” he said.

Wilson, who also has a modelling career, told entertainment news outlet Mstar that her repeated pleas to authorities over years of abuse had gone unanswered.

“I’ve filed police reports for the beatings I endured all these while but no action has been taken. Instead, it backfired on me,” she was quoted as saying by the outlet on Monday.

The couple have four children, Sinar Daily reported.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in