First thing I did after walking out was speak to Fatima, we both cried: Rabia Anum

On November 8, anchor Rabia Anum walked out of Nida Yasir's morning show in solidarity with domestic abuse victims after Mohsin Abbas Haider was also invited to join them. Clips of the live incident made waves on the internet, garnering numerous fans and celebrity reactions, who applauded her proactive response.

Amidst the praise, however, many also criticised her response. VJ Mathira pleaded for people to be given second chances, suggesting instead that Anum should have left “gracefully”. Actor Mishi Khan called Anum's action a "cringe move" that represented her “bad etiquettes”.

Taking to Twitter, Anum has finally responded to the ongoing commentary with a piece of advice. The host highlighted that she only did a "tiny bit" on her part to "break the cycle" of the media still catering to actors after being accused of abuse. She also hoped that "harassers and wife beaters" are not given more chances to be "heroes again" on stage, especially "those who never apologized for what they did."

She added, "Did my tiny bit to break the cycle of ifs and buts, let's hope harassers and wife beaters are never given the chance to be heroes again, those who never apologized for what they did while the victims are still struggling mentally, physically and financially to get back on their feet."

In an additional tweet, Anum showed her gratitude for all the "overwhelming" love she received from "all around the world." She further disclosed that many people are sharing their stories of "abusive childhood and marriages" with her, hinting at the positive impact of her action. "The love and appreciation you all sent from all around the world are overwhelming. Men and women sending me their own stories of abusive childhood and marriages. I've been reading them and crying." She added.

She then ended her statement by mentioning Mohsin Abbas Haider's ex-wife, Fatima Sohail, who was the first person the host spoke to after leaving the set, and revealed that they "both cried on the phone." She concluded, "The first thing I did after walking out was talk to Fatima, we both cried on phone.”

On November 10, Mishi posted a video on Instagram talking about the viral clips of Anum leaving the live show after the Meri Guriya actor was called to join them on the set. She started the video by sending good wishes to her followers. Then, she proceeded to narrate the incident she saw in the clips. "Asalamualaikum everyone, I hope you all are well and happy. Yesterday I watched a clip in which Anum was a guest on the Good Morning Pakistan show, and the conversation was about mistakes. And that is when she realised she should not be sitting there because she speaks against domestic violence."

The Janaan actor further highlighted that all guests know who is joining them on set. She stressed how Anum should have left the set before the show began as she had "ample" time. "First, she apologized to the beautiful host Yasir and the whole team and then revealed that it would be a grave mistake on her part to continue sitting on their set. So, she should have left the makeup room, she had ample time and was aware of all the guests present too," Mishi added.

Mishi ended the video by emphasising on how this event "embarrassed" the show's host and the whole team and could have been avoided easily. "It was really in bad taste, you are a guest and should have spoken on stage. You come to the show a long time before it starts and guests are aware of who will be there with them or not. So, you should have left at that moment, excusing yourself before embarrassing the channel, team, and host," the Aroosa actor concluded.

The video was posted with a caption that also called out Anum for her "bad taste," and "cringe move." Good that you stand up for domestic violence but this was a cringe move. Bad etiquettes. What's the point to make a long meaningless speech of praise for the host, channel and team when you have to embarrass them?

In response to this video, Mira Sethi defended Anum and highlighted how a "protest" really works. She also explained how Anum’s was a much "more powerful" move than just leaving the "makeup room".

"Uh, no. What Anum did was not in 'bad taste.' She excused herself from a live show and refused to share space with a man accused of domestic violence. It's called a protest. And it's far more powerful than quietly slinking away from the makeup room." the Tweet read.

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