In an official statement released by her counsel, Indian Olympic boxer Mary Kom stated that she and her spouse, Karung Onkholer, had formally divorced on December 20, 2023. The statement coincides with an increase in online conjecture and rumors that Mary Kom is connected to her business partner, Hitesh Choudhary.
Mary Kom refuted these allegations, stating unequivocally that she had no extramarital affair and that she and Onkholer had been separated for almost two years.
“In the light of these speculative and incorrect media reports, I wish to issue the following clarifications: Ms. M.C. Mary Kom and Mr. Onkholer (Onler) Kom are no longer married and they have finalized their divorce by mutual consent under KOM CUSTOMARY LAW on December 20 2023, in the presence of both family members and leaders of the clan as the adjudicating authorities." the statement read.
“The rumours regarding my client’s relationship involvement with Mr. Hitesh Choudhary or being in a relationship with another boxer’s husband, are categorically denied and should not be propagated by any media platform," the statement added.
Mary Kom posted the remark on social media, even refuting further rumors that she had an affair with the husband of another boxer. She continued by requesting that media organizations not meddle in her private affairs or publish any more speculative articles regarding her relationships.
“Over the past two years, my client has been going through a deeply challenging time in her personal life, especially with her ex-husband. During this difficult hour, my client requests her friends, fans, and well-wishers to kindly give her the space and privacy she needs to navigate this difficult time. This notice serves as a formal request for all media entities, in all forms, to refrain from making baseless speculations about my client," the directive continued.
“It is imperative that the media respects Mary Kom’s privacy and personal space. One press conference at Manipur has already been done to this effect. Failure to comply with these requests will prompt legal action against those who violate this notice, including but not limited to claims of defamation both civil and criminal and breaches of privacy rights as per applicable laws," the statement added.
