Who Is Manohara Odelia? Indonesian Model Claims She Was Abused by Malaysian Prince, Forced Into Marriage

What was once portrayed as a fairytale royal union has, over the years, unravelled into a deeply disturbing account of alleged abuse, coercion and child marriage. Indonesian-American model Manohara Odelia Pinot has once again spoken out about her 2008 marriage to Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, calling it “coercive, non-consensual, and illegal”.

Now 33, Manohara says her intention is not to reopen old wounds, but to correct a narrative that continues to misrepresent what she describes as a traumatic chapter of her life.

Who Is Manohara Odelia?

Born on February 28, 1992, Manohara Odelia Pinot is an Indonesian-American model and activist. She was born in Jakarta to an American father and an Indonesian mother and began modelling at a young age. While her early career brought her recognition in fashion circles, it was her 2009 escape that made her a global news figure.

Why Manohara Odelia Is Speaking Out Again

In a recent statement shared on Instagram, Manohara strongly objected to being referred to as the prince’s “ex-wife”. According to her, the term falsely legitimises what she says was a forced marriage that took place when she was just 16 years old.

 

 

 

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"What occurred during my teenage years was not a romantic relationship, not a consensual relationship, and not a legal marriage. There was never a relationship I wanted, agreed to, or entered into voluntarily. 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.

She stressed that language matters, especially when it comes to reporting on child marriage and abuse.

Rejecting the ‘Ex-Wife’ Label

Manohara specifically addressed Indonesian media and global digital platforms, urging them to stop using terminology that she believes sanitises abuse.

"Using the term “mantan istri” implies a lawful, voluntary, adult relationship and marriage. That implication is false. It reframes a coercive situation as a legitimate relationship and distorts the reality of what occurred. I ask Indonesian media, editors, writers, and digital platforms (including Google and Wikipedia) to stop using this label when referring to me. Continuing to introduce articles with this mischaracterization is not only inaccurate, it is unethical journalism," she added.

Her statement has reignited conversations around ethical reporting, survivor-centred language and accountability in media narratives.

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Manohara Odelia’s Marriage and Alleged Abuse

In 2008, Manohara married Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, a member of the Kelantan royal family in Malaysia. She has alleged that following the marriage, her life became increasingly controlled. According to her past interviews, she lived under constant surveillance, had limited contact with her parents, and was subjected to physical punishment and sexual abuse.

She has previously stated that refusal to comply allegedly resulted in punishment, and that she had little to no freedom during her time in the Kelantan royal palace.

Manohara Odelia’s 2009 Escape That Made Global Headlines

In 2009, during a royal trip, Manohara dramatically fled from a hotel in Singapore. With assistance from her mother, local authorities and the United States Embassy, she returned to Indonesia. The escape drew international attention and placed her story under intense public scrutiny.

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Image Courtesy: Instagram