Socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan has sparked debate after suggesting that women whose partners deny them financial support despite preventing them from working should not feel guilty about seeking help from another man.
Speaking during a TikTok Live session, Zari argued that such situations leave many women financially trapped, describing the decision to look elsewhere for support as “self-defence” rather than infidelity.
“If you have a chance and there’s someone out there willing to invest in you and take your stress away, please cheat,” she said.
She was quick to acknowledge that her remarks would attract criticism, joking that anyone who chose to follow her advice would do so at their own risk.
“I know people will say I’m encouraging women to cheat, but if you decide to do it, don’t come back blaming me. I’ll be at home enjoying my marriage,” she added.
According to Zari, the problem lies with men who discourage their partners from earning an income but fail to meet their financial responsibilities.
She questioned how women in such relationships are expected to cater for basic needs, including personal care, when they have no source of income of their own.
Zari also accused some men of using money as a means of control, saying they closely monitor every shilling they give their partners while still expecting them to maintain a certain standard of living.
In her view, that imbalance often pushes women to seek emotional and financial security elsewhere.
The socialite further claimed that many men already maintain multiple relationships, making it easier for them to move on from relationship problems. She argued that women should also have someone they can turn to when their partners fail to provide support.
Her strongest remarks came as she defended her position.
“Cheating on a man who doesn’t provide for you or take care of you isn’t infidelity,” she said. “It’s self-defence.”
Her comments have since ignited discussion on social media, with some agreeing that financial neglect can leave women vulnerable, while others criticized her for appearing to justify infidelity.
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