Influencer Stands by Husband Amid Controversy

Abeer Rizvi, a social media influencer with a significant following, has publicly defended her husband, Salman Iftikhar, after he was sentenced for making violent threats against a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant. Rizvi, who resides in Pakistan, took to Instagram on August 7 to express her support for Iftikhar, attributing his actions to mental health issues. Her posts emphasized the importance of understanding and compassion, urging her followers to consider the unseen struggles behind such incidents.

Incident Details and Legal Proceedings

The incident occurred on February 7, 2023, during a flight from London to Lahore. Iftikhar, a former British executive and founder of Staffing Match, was traveling in first class with his children when he began drinking excessively. His behavior escalated into a confrontation with cabin crew member Angie Walsh, whom he threatened with violence. Despite the severity of his threats, Iftikhar was not immediately arrested upon landing in Pakistan. British authorities later detained him in England on March 16, 2024.

Court Ruling and Impact on Victims

At Isleworth Crown Court on August 5, Iftikhar admitted to threatening Walsh and racially harassing her but denied other harassment charges. He received a 15-month prison sentence. Walsh shared the traumatic impact of the incident in a victim impact statement, revealing that she had been unable to work for over a year due to the distress caused by Iftikhar’s actions.

Airline’s Response and Commitment to Safety

Virgin Atlantic has expressed unwavering support for Walsh and reiterated its commitment to passenger and crew safety. The airline emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behavior and its readiness to pursue legal action against offenders.