In a recent social media storm Pakistani actress Momina Iqbal has come forward to categorically deny false rumors circulating about her gender identity The actress known for her roles in popular dramas like EhdeWafa Khuda Aur Mohabbat and Grift took to her official platforms to clarify that she is not transgender expressing frustration and disappointment at the baseless speculations being spread online .
The controversy erupted after a series of misleading and malicious posts began surfacing on social media platforms claiming that Momina Iqbal was assigned male at birth and had transitioned into a woman These claims which quickly gained traction among gossip forums and unverified news pages prompted a flurry of speculation and ridicule — much of it laced with transphobia and misogyny .
Addressing the rumors directly Momina Iqbal posted a story on Instagram and a tweet that read
I am not transgender These are baseless lies being spread to defame me I request everyone to stop this nonsense and respect my privacy .
She further added that these rumors were not only harmful to her personal and professional life but also disrespectful toward the transgender community which already faces marginalization and discrimination in society .
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
A Dangerous Trend of Sensationalism
Momina’s statement highlights a growing trend in the South Asian digital landscape the use of clickbait misinformation and personal attacks to draw attention often at the expense of public figures’ dignity Celebrities especially women have frequently been targets of body shaming character assassination and fake news .
Its not just about me When you falsely accuse someone of being transgender as a way to insult them you’re not only spreading lies — you’re also treating transgender people as something shameful That’s deeply offensive to both me and the trans community she added in a followup message .
This nuance — that the insult lies not in being transgender but in weaponizing the identity as slander — has drawn support from LGBTQ rights activists and social media users alike Many praised Momina for standing her ground while also showing solidarity with the transgender community a stance that many public figures avoid .
Public Reaction and Support
The actress’s bold stance “drew support from fellow actors fans and human rights activists who condemned the smear campaign Hashtags such as SupportMominaIqbal and SayNoToFakeNews began trending in Pakistan and parts of South Asia as people called out the online harassment and demanded accountability from those spreading misinformation .
Several of her colleagues including actors and producers she has worked with also spoke out in her favor emphasizing her professionalism talent and integrity .
Also read: Inside the Glowing Legacy of Jim Abbott
The Emotional Toll
In her statements Momina also spoke about the emotional toll that such rumors take on artists People think we are public figures and have to tolerate everything But we are human too These lies affect us our families and our mental health .
She urged media outlets and content creators to be more responsible especially when sharing personal information about someone She also hinted at the possibility of taking legal action against those who continue to spread defamatory content .
The Need for Media Responsibility
This incident once again sheds light on the urgent need for digital media literacy ethical journalism and stronger cyber harassment laws in countries like Pakistan The unchecked spread of misinformation can damage reputations endanger lives and reinforce harmful societal prejudices .
Momina Iqbal’s measured response to this crisis which combines assertive denial with broader social awareness sets an example for how public figures can address such controversies without stooping to the level of their detractors .
As she continues to focus on her acting career fans and colleagues are rallying behind her with messages of support and solidarity More importantly her statement opens the door to a wider conversation about how society views gender identity truth and public accountability in the digital age .