A divorce case in Turkey has sparked global conversations about respect in relationships and the hidden harm of seemingly playful labels. A provincial family court in Usak ruled that a husband must compensate his former wife after saving her phone contact name as “Tombik”, meaning “Chubby”, and repeatedly sending her offensive messages. Details of the ruling were reported by local media outlet Sabah.
When nicknames cross the line
The woman told the court that her husband’s constant insults and threats caused a deep emotional breakdown, leading her to file for divorce. Along with calling her “chubby”, he reportedly sent intimidating texts including “Get away, I do not want to see you” and “Let the devil see your face”. The husband also demanded money from her for his father’s surgery, adding to the strain on the marriage.
The court ruled that the nickname and messages constituted “emotional and economic violence”, acknowledging the psychological damage inflicted.
The husband attempted to countersue, alleging that his wife was unfaithful. An investigation determined that a man had only visited her to deliver a book, with no evidence of any illicit relationship. Judges concluded that the husband’s behaviour was far more severe, placing primary responsibility for the breakdown of the marriage on him.
Legal consequences of harmful words
Under Turkish law, any action or communication that attacks a person’s dignity can carry criminal penalties of up to two years in prison along with fines. Although no sentence was reported in this case, the court ordered the husband to pay both material and moral compensation to his former wife. The exact amount has not been disclosed.
Public divided over what counts as disrespect
Citing Sabah's report, South China Morning Post further reported that the case has triggered mixed reactions online. Some users argued that being called “chubby” might seem harmless or even affectionate in certain contexts. Others countered that the persistent insults and manipulation clearly crossed the boundary of acceptable behaviour.
One comment highlighted that the ruling was justified because the harm stemmed from repeated verbal attacks, not a single playful remark. Another noted that the case serves as a reminder to reconsider how people label others in their phones.
When nicknames cross the line
The woman told the court that her husband’s constant insults and threats caused a deep emotional breakdown, leading her to file for divorce. Along with calling her “chubby”, he reportedly sent intimidating texts including “Get away, I do not want to see you” and “Let the devil see your face”. The husband also demanded money from her for his father’s surgery, adding to the strain on the marriage.
The court ruled that the nickname and messages constituted “emotional and economic violence”, acknowledging the psychological damage inflicted.
The husband attempted to countersue, alleging that his wife was unfaithful. An investigation determined that a man had only visited her to deliver a book, with no evidence of any illicit relationship. Judges concluded that the husband’s behaviour was far more severe, placing primary responsibility for the breakdown of the marriage on him.
Legal consequences of harmful words
Under Turkish law, any action or communication that attacks a person’s dignity can carry criminal penalties of up to two years in prison along with fines. Although no sentence was reported in this case, the court ordered the husband to pay both material and moral compensation to his former wife. The exact amount has not been disclosed.
Public divided over what counts as disrespect
Citing Sabah's report, South China Morning Post further reported that the case has triggered mixed reactions online. Some users argued that being called “chubby” might seem harmless or even affectionate in certain contexts. Others countered that the persistent insults and manipulation clearly crossed the boundary of acceptable behaviour.
One comment highlighted that the ruling was justified because the harm stemmed from repeated verbal attacks, not a single playful remark. Another noted that the case serves as a reminder to reconsider how people label others in their phones.
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