Model Says Marriage to Malaysian Prince at 16 Was Coercive, Not Legal: ‘I Had No Real Choice’

Indonesian-American model Manohara Odelia has spoken out about her controversial marriage to a Malaysian royal, stating that she never consented to the union and did not have the legal capacity to do so.

Manohara was married in 2008 at the age of 16 to Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, a member of Malaysia’s Kelantan royal family. She later escaped the country in 2009, alleging that she was subjected to repeated sexual, physical and psychological abuse during the time she lived under palace restrictions.

Now in her thirties, the model has reiterated that the relationship was neither consensual nor legally valid, stressing that she was a minor and had no freedom to make an informed decision. She objected to being described in media reports as the prince’s “ex-wife,” arguing that the term inaccurately implies a lawful, voluntary marriage.

According to Manohara, her movement was severely restricted during her time in Malaysia, her communication with family was limited, and she lived under constant supervision. She has previously stated that abuse occurred regularly and that refusal led to punishment.

In a recent social media post, Manohara clarified that what happened during her adolescence should not be framed as a romantic relationship or a legitimate marriage. She emphasised that being underage meant she lacked the capacity to provide genuine consent, describing the situation as one of coercion rather than choice.

She has urged journalists, editors, and digital platforms to stop using terminology that misrepresents her experience, stating that the issue is about accuracy, ethical reporting, and responsible language — not reopening past trauma.