Indonesian-American model Manohara Odelia has opened up about the traumatic experience of her 2008 marriage to Malaysian Prince Tengku Fakhry, emphasizing that the relationship was coercive, non-consensual, and illegal. Manohara, who was just 16 years old at the time of her marriage, has condemned the media’s portrayal of her as an “ex-wife,” urging responsible reporting to reflect the truth about her ordeal.
In an Instagram post dated January 5, 2026, Manohara addressed the widespread use of the term “Mantan Istri” (ex-wife) in media outlets, stating that it misrepresents her situation. According to Manohara, the use of this term falsely implies that she was an adult entering into a legal and consensual marriage, which she claims was far from the reality.
Marriage Under Coercion and Abuse
In 2008, Manohara Odelia was married to Tengku Fakhry, the son of the Sultan of Kelantan, Malaysia, at the age of 16. The marriage quickly became controversial due to allegations of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Manohara later revealed that she was subjected to strict control, isolation, and abuse during her time in the royal palace.
In 2009, after enduring a year of mistreatment, Manohara made a dramatic escape to Indonesia from a hotel in Singapore, aided by her mother, local police, and officials from the US embassy.
“Sexual abuse and harassment became a daily routine for me,” Manohara said in a past interview. “Every time I resisted sexual intercourse, it was used as punishment.”
Manohara’s Objection to the “Ex-Wife” Label
In her latest post, Manohara clarified that referring to her as the “ex-wife” of the prince is misleading. She explained that as a minor at the time of the marriage, she was incapable of giving informed consent. Thus, the term “ex-wife” wrongfully implies a mutual, legal, and consensual relationship.
“What occurred during my teenage years was not a romantic relationship, not a consensual relationship, and not a legal marriage,” Manohara wrote. “There was never a relationship I wanted, agreed to, or entered into voluntarily.”
She further emphasized that as a minor, she lacked the ability to make a free and informed choice in the matter, and her situation was one of coercion, not consent.
A Call for Accurate and Ethical Reporting
Manohara’s plea for a more accurate portrayal of her story is a call for responsible journalism. In her post, she urged journalists, editors, and digital platforms like Google and Wikipedia to refrain from using the term “ex-wife” when referring to her.
“At the time, I was a minor and was in a situation of coercion and lack of freedom, meaning I did not have a real choice or the capacity to give consent,” she wrote. “I ask for responsible and accurate reporting and a change in the way I am described.”
Her request highlights the importance of ethical media practices, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as forced and underage marriages. By speaking out again after 15 years, Manohara aims to clarify her experience and ensure her story is told with accuracy and respect.
Ongoing Advocacy for Child Marriage Victims
Manohara’s statement brings much-needed attention to the issue of underage and forced marriages, particularly those involving minors in royal or high-profile settings. Her courage in confronting the media and sharing her painful experiences has contributed to a larger conversation about the rights of young women and the importance of legal protections against coerced unions.
Her story not only seeks to correct past misrepresentations but also calls for broader social change, including stronger legal frameworks to protect minors from forced marriages.
