Influencer’s Harmful Advice Sparks Outrage on Social Media
TikToker and Instagram influencer Kanwal Aftab has come under fire from internet users after suggesting that women should “support” their abusive husbands. Aftab, who boasts over 2.8 million followers, received backlash during a question and answer session on Instagram when a fan asked how a woman could cope with an abusive spouse if she couldn’t find suitable employment.
Aftab’s response was widely criticized for its harmful nature. She advised the fan to “try to support him” and “motivate him,” claiming that divorce was not a solution. This advice prompted outrage on social media platforms, with many users condemning Aftab for promoting such dangerous notions.
Kanwal Ahmed, the Founder of Soul Sisters Pakistan, took to Twitter to address Aftab’s comments. She shared a screenshot of Aftab’s response and questioned whether supporting an abusive husband meant cheering him on as he harmed her or providing a reminder to continue the abuse later. Ahmed emphasized that women do not enter marriages to fix abusive partners or validate their violent behavior.
The display of misogyny and the burden of fixing a troubled marriage falling solely on women sparked a wave of criticism from social media users. Many questioned why the responsibility to mend the relationship always seemed to rest on women’s shoulders.
The controversy surrounding Kanwal Aftab’s advice highlights the importance of promoting healthy and respectful relationships, and the need to hold influencers accountable for the messages they share on public platforms. The incident serves as a reminder of the significance of advocating for gender equality and raising awareness about domestic violence.
As social media users continue to express their disappointment and outrage, the incident has ignited a broader conversation about the role of influencers in promoting responsible and empowering messages, particularly concerning sensitive issues such as domestic abuse.