BC Punjabi radio station host suspended for comments on domestic violence – BC

Disclaimer: This story deals with a very disturbing topic that may upset and trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.

A British Columbia Punjabi-language radio station host has been suspended for his on-air comments while discussing a domestic violence case in New York that drew international attention.

Mandeep Kaur, 30, killed herself in New York last week after posting a video in which she accused her husband of beating her for years. Kaur, from Uttar Pradesh, India, shared photos of bruises, a video in which he appears to be choking or choking her, and a final video in which she blames her husband for his decision to take his own life , leaving behind her two daughters, aged six and four.

Kaur’s video message sparked discussions about domestic violence within the South Asian community around the world, including here in British Columbia

While discussing the case on Thursday night, Sher-E-Punjab AM 600 radio host Paul Brar suggested on air that people commenting on the high-profile case should not go public with personal matters, and that Kaur’s husband’s version of the story has yet to be heard.

« We should also listen to the voices of men, » Brar said in Punjabi, and just because someone claims to have been beaten and abused doesn’t mean it’s true.

« To these women of the Kaur movement, I beg you not to destroy the houses, » he said.

On Friday morning, the Richmond-based station apologized to its listeners and said Brar had been suspended.

« The management and staff of Sher E Punjab Radio do not condone or condone violence in any form and strongly oppose any form of intimidation that targets women, the elderly, children and children. most vulnerable among us, » he tweeted.

« Recently, comments have been made about this station that some have interpreted as holding us at odds with this value…We apologize for any offense taken and assure all of our listeners that we take this matter very seriously. «

The tweet also said the station was investigating Brar’s statements and that he would remain suspended until the review was completed.

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“We took quick action, we suspended the host, we are looking into it. It is in the hands of our lawyers and I cannot comment further,” station manager Gurdial Badh said. , to Global News.

The radio station has covered domestic violence issues in the past, which is not unique to the South Asian community, he added, and will do « everything we can to be accountable to our listeners. and our audience ».

The Kaur Movement, an organization that supports victims of sexual and domestic violence, has collected a number of photos and videos of Kaur on its website. He also posted numerous updates on the case and calls for accountability and justice for Kaur.

Founder Gurpreet Kaur, unrelated, accused Brar of ‘making fun’ of victims of abuse and said her comments had traumatized others who had called her saying they regretted getting away manifested.

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« (Mandeep Kaur) needs justice and she’s not getting it, » Gurpreet Kaur said. « Now she’s dead and she can’t defend herself, so we’re trying to do it for her, and instead of helping her, you’re making fun of victims of abuse. »

Brar should have been fired, she added, and called on him to publicly apologize.

Maneet Abrol, an American singer and podcast host with over 80,000 Instagram followers, also spoke out against Brar.

He questioned why Brar thought people should be quiet about domestic violence issues, as well as Brar’s claims that there wasn’t enough evidence to show the husband was at fault.

“The proof is there. A person died and you continue to wonder what he did even after the revelation of the facts? he said in an Instagram post on Thursday.

« The truth was never really going to come out unless people raised their voices. »

If you or someone you know is involved in an abusive situation, please visit the Canadian Resource Center for Victims of Crime to help. They can also be reached toll free at 1-877-232-2610.

The battered women’s support services crisis line (1-855-687-1868) is available 24 hours a day for anyone in need of emotional support or practical help.

Crisis workers are also available 24 hours a day at Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566.