Saira Khan tearfully revealed that she was sexually abused by a male family member at the age 13 on ‘Loose Women’ on Thursday (03.11.16).
The ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ star and her fellow panellists Nadia Sawalha, Linda Robson and Anne Diamond were discussing a rape case in Pakistan when she unexpectedly broke down and revealed she had been the victim of an assault.
Saira – whose parents are from Pakistan – said: "This woman inspired me. I would never have said this before but a male member of my family came into my bedroom when I was 13 and did things to me. You know what she says here she inspired me to speak out.
"Somebody is touching you without your permission, please, it is wrong, go and get some help. It is not culturally acceptable, it is not religiously acceptable. It is wrong. It is wrong. It happens in our homes as well … Sorry, guys I wasn’t expecting to say it and I’m only saying it now as the man is dead. I told my mother and my brothers years later and my mum was amazing. I feel like I’ve got one over him now. But I feel inspired to not keep it private."
Saira’s brave decision to speak out about her ordeal earned her a standing ovation from the studio audience.
The former ‘Apprentice’ contestant was shaken up to relive the experience and needed to take a break from the live ITV show.
Following a commercial break, Saira returned to the set to assure the audience and the viewers at home that she was OK.
She said: "I’m absolutely fine. I am a strong woman, I can carry on. Thank you to everybody."
Later in the programme, Nadia told Saira that they had been inundated with messages of support from viewers at home, prompting her to say: "I feel fine, I don’t want to hijack the show or anything."
Anne then interrupted her to state: "What you said will make a difference to somebody."
Saira Khan bravely reveals she was sexually abused aged 13
