Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Abba No Stress, a television host with Senegal’s Groupe Futurs Médias (TFM) has come under intense criticism after appearing to question why wrestling champion Balla Gaye 2 allegedly assaulted his wife, Boury Bathily, whose emotional public testimony has triggered widespread concern over domestic violence.
Boury Bathily appeared in a live broadcast on social media in tears and visibly distressed as she spoke about what she described as physical and verbal abuse within her marriage. She also announced her determination to end the relationship and said she had left the marital home because she feared for her safety.
Her allegations have not been independently established, and Balla Gaye 2 has yet to publicly respond to the accusations. Any criminal or legal claims would have to be examined by the competent authorities.
TFM Host’s Remarks Trigger Outrage
The controversy intensified after TFM presenter Abba No Stress addressed the allegations on air.
During the broadcast, the presenter asked in Wolof, “Louko Boury def bamou dorko?,” roughly, “What did Boury do for her husband to hit her?”
Abba No Stress, the host behind the controversial comments
He went on to suggest that some women can push men “against the wall,” comments that critics say risk shifting responsibility for alleged violence from the person accused of committing it to the alleged victim.
Although the presenter also stated that hitting women is wrong, his remarks have drawn fierce condemnation online, with many viewers accusing him of trivializing domestic violence and contributing to a culture in which victims are blamed for abuse.
Critics have particularly objected to the fact that the comments came from a prominent media personality whose platform gives his views considerable public reach.
One social media reaction described the intervention as another example of the presenter appearing to “dig deeper” whenever he is thought to have crossed a line, reflecting the intensity of the backlash.
Feminist Groups Back Boury Bathily
The controversy comes as Senegalese feminist organizations have rallied behind Boury Bathily and called for authorities to take the allegations seriously.
In a joint statement, the organizations said her decision to speak publicly about the alleged abuse highlights the need to support, believe, and protect women who report violence rather than blame or silence them.
They also criticized the tendency to portray alleged perpetrators as people who merely “lost control” or were mentally unstable, arguing that such explanations can contribute to the normalization of violence against women.
The organizations stressed that domestic violence is not limited to physical assault. It can also involve psychological, verbal, economic, sexual, and social forms of abuse.
They described a recurring cycle involving control, threats, and isolation, followed by violence, guilt, and reconciliation attempts before the pattern begins again.
According to the organizations, this cycle helps explain why telling a woman experiencing abuse to simply leave her partner is often inadequate. Victims may require protection, financial resources, emotional support, and institutional assistance to safely leave an abusive relationship.
The groups have called on the Republic’s prosecutor to take action and ensure that the allegations are examined promptly while measures are taken to protect Boury Bathily.
Mia Guissé Urges Women to Put Safety First
The case has also prompted reactions from prominent Senegalese personalities.
Singer Mia Guissé published a message urging women who no longer feel safe in their relationships to leave.
“Mesdames, si vous ne vous sentez plus en sécurité, partez,” meaning, “Ladies, if you don’t feel safe anymore, leave,” she wrote, while warning against allowing children to grow up in what she described as a toxic environment.
Although she did not directly mention Boury Bathily or Balla Gaye 2, the timing of the message has led many to interpret it as a response to the growing debate over domestic violence.
Guissé also urged women to prioritize their own well-being, reminding them that personal safety and happiness should not be sacrificed in the name of maintaining a relationship.
Debate Moves Beyond Balla Gaye 2
The controversy has now expanded beyond the allegations involving the former “King of the Arenas” and his wife.
At the center of the debate is whether Senegalese society is sufficiently willing to confront domestic violence without searching for explanations that place part of the blame on victims.
Boury Bathily has maintained that speaking publicly was necessary because she feared that remaining silent could expose her to further danger. She has also rejected calls for her to return to the marital home or resolve the matter privately.
The allegations remain allegations until investigated and, where appropriate, tested through legal proceedings.
But the reaction to Abba No Stress’ comments has opened a broader conversation about the responsibility of public figures when discussing domestic violence and whether humor, irony, or questions about a victim’s conduct have any place when allegations of serious abuse are being made.
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