Television star Saira Khan has been forced to get the police involved after being bombarded with death threats since revealing she is not a practising Muslim.
The 50-year-old former Loose Women panellist clarified her faith last weekend in her Daily Mirror column.
The mother of two took to her Instagram account on Tuesday evening to inform her followers that she has gone to the authorities after receiving horrific messages.
In a statement, Saira penned: “Due to the abuse and threats I have received. I have reported this matter to the police as it is regarded as hate crime.
“I am utterly saddened that my decision to live my life how I choose should rest to other’s wanting to cause me harm.
“How does my life impact theirs?”
Saira Khan has been forced to get the police involved after being bombarded with death threats (Image: iamsairakhan/Instagram)
Saira’s latest social media update caught the attention of her 94,000 followers, with some rushing to leave a message of support for the star.
One fan penned: “Keep strong and striving. You are a wonderful inspiration to many.”
Another added: “Good you reported them. Sad people who have nothing better to do other than hate.”
While a third person posted: “It’s time these social media companies stepped up their game, hopefully police will bring these keyboard warriors to justice.”
A fourth social media user said: “So so wrong, but you are inspirational to a lot of young women Saira, just remember that.”
The former Loose Women posted a statement on Instagram on Tuesday
Saira first mentioned that she was being targeted with death threats during an Instagram live session on Monday.
She went on to post on her account: “Since I came out as a ‘non practising’ Muslim, I have been sent threats, abuse and been trolled.
“Why my personal choice of how I choose to live my life should stir such hatred in others is incomprehensible to me.
“I have been contacted by so many women in the last 24 hours documenting their fears for wanting to live their life how they wish, whether it’s because they are gay, want to marry their black/white partners, choose to be an atheist or choose to not marry or have kids.”
She added: “My Instagram page is not about pretending that life is always positive and rosy and we can pass each day snapping our fingers and changing things in an instant.
Saira Khan stepped down from her role on Loose Women (Image: ITV)
“Whilst I like to keep things upbeat and positive, I cannot forget that I as a woman have a duty on my platform to help other women.
“I have a voice. I will do my bit. we cannot sweep these matters under the carpet. We cannot be made to fear for our lives for wanting to help create a fairer and equal world for all.”
Saira later went on to ask her fans to help those who may be going through the same situation as her.
She wrote: “Please do your bit. Your bit could just involve listening, keeping an eye on someone, letting them know you are there if they face trouble. Guide them to a charity.
“We don’t need to look the same in order to feel each other’s pain. I feel your pain if you are hurt. We all bleed the same colour.”
Saira said many aspects of her lifestyle did not fit with Islam, such as wearing clothes that go against the accepted dress code or drinking alcohol.
She shot to fame as a contestant on The Apprentice and has since appeared on Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Big Brother.
The TV star stepped down from her role as a Loose Women panellist in December after five years.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
