Nadir Ali Apologizes for Inappropriate Interview with Sunita Marshall
Days after facing media backlash for his disconcerting podcast interview with Pakistani Christian model Sunita Marshall, YouTuber Nadir Ali has issued an apology. He explained that his intentions were not to hurt anyone’s feelings and that his questions were asked out of curiosity.
Ali took to Instagram, posting a picture with Sunita and writing, “My intentions during the podcast with Sunita Marshall were not to hurt her or anyone’s feelings at all. It was just out of curiosity that I asked her about her plans of conversion to Islam.” He emphasized that religion is a personal choice and he respects all beliefs. He added, “It is my wish and the wish of 1.9 billion Muslims to see people come to Islam but of course with their own choice! If still my words have hurt the feelings of anyone, I APOLOGIZE.”
In the controversial podcast, Ali questioned Sunita about why she had not converted to Islam, given that her in-laws and husband are Muslims. Sunita responded by saying, “There is no pressure on me for converting to Islam from Hassan or his family. However, people sometimes comment on Instagram, but it doesn’t matter to me.” She further noted that a person should change their religion by heart; otherwise, it is pointless.
Sunita also clarified that her in-laws have never pressured her to change her religion and have always been very kind to her. Despite her calm response, the insensitive questioning drew harsh criticism from various quarters, including celebrities.
Actor Nadia Afghan criticized Ali on Instagram, calling his line of questioning disgraceful. She added, “[…] There is a village of idiots and the population is flourishing.” Model Mathira also condemned Ali’s behavior, saying, “What the hell is wrong with this person and his question! This is so wrong. Shame on the host!”
In a turn of events, Sunita asked her followers to stop harassing Ali. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, she thanked social media users for their support but requested them to “kindly not harass the interviewer anymore.” She also urged the interviewing fraternity to avoid asking such personal questions in the future.
