Mary Kom has suddenly become a hot topic for memes after her strong allegations about her husband on Rajat Sharma's show Aap Ki Adalat. Mary's biopic, which starred Priyanka Chopra, showed how Mary Kom's husband supported her, raised their kids, and helped her pursue her dream of becoming a world champion in boxing. Despite all odds, Mary Kom fulfilled her ambition. However, years later, she and her husband, Onler, parted ways and are now divorced.
Onler accused Mary of cheating on him twice and claimed their elder children were distressed by her alleged affairs. At the show, Mary Kom spoke against her husband, stating that he didn't earn and lived off her money. Her video went viral, and now every other person on Instagram is mocking and belittling her. Some are even demanding a new Mary Kom film, arguing that her biopic wasn't justified.
A significant portion of the backlash came from sports fans who felt her comments belittled the struggles of aspiring footballers.
Days after her 'ek rupiya bhi nahi kamata' statement, Mary Kom publicly apologised for her remarks about her ex-husband, Onler.
Sharing a video on Instagram, she said: "I want to clarify this: it is not that my marriage was never successful. Everything was fine for many years. But later, when the trust was completely broken, things changed. Despite this, I want to clarify that even after my divorce in April 2025, and even after a press release circulated against me, I did not give any statement publicly or to the media. I have always conducted myself with dignity and restraint."
Mary Kom, a former Member of Rajya Sabha, added, "My remark was taken in the wrong direction on social media, which is quite unfortunate. I am absolutely not against youth football, culture, or the football fraternity. I am a boxer, but I love football from the heart and I myself like playing football. My comment was not for any sport or players. Everyone starts from the streets, but only those who work hard, sweat, and remain determined till the end become people like Sunil Chhetri or Bhaichung. That is what we meant. My ex said that he sacrificed his football career. He used to play football in Shillong, but after leaving football, I met him later in Delhi."
She continued, "I sincerely apologise to all those people, especially the wider male community, who were hurt or disappointed by my comment on Aap Ki Adalat. My statement was never meant for all men, nor was it meant to demean or insult any individual. That comment was purely connected to our conflict and issues. That moment was emotionally overwhelming for me; years of suppressed pain, depression, feeling used, and betrayal surfaced all at once. I want to make it clear that the statement should not be seen as a teaching, ideology, or concept. I do not promote any kind of negative thought or narrative."
Instagrammers accuse Mary Kom of reading a script in apology video
Netizens on Instagram slammed Mary Kom for belittling her ex-husband and noted that no apology had come until months later. Many even alleged that she was speaking with zero emotion and appeared to be reading from a script.
What Mary Kom said about her husband at Rajat Sharma's interview:
"What successful career? He used to play football in the streets. To tell you the truth, he was not even earning a rupee. Kuch bhi nahin, kahan sacrifice kiya? Subah shaam sotaa rehta tha (He used to sleep the whole day)," Mary told India TV.
"He was living on a girl's earnings; I felt very sad. I was earning so much, all my beliefs and trust were there. Later, I found out my account was nearly empty," she stated.
The legendary pugilist even claimed that Onler drained her bank account while she worked hard in the ring to provide for the family.
In 2017, Mary and Onler appeared together on The Tara Sharma Show, where she repeatedly credited him for supporting her boxing career. Their marriage was widely seen as stable and inspiring.
