Actor Feroze Khan has denied that he abused his ex-wife, Syeda Aliza Sultan, who has submitted evidence of abuse in court in the form of photos, medico-legal reports, and a police report.

The actor took to Instagram to publish a statement, “I, Feroze Khan, vehemently deny any and all baseless, malicious, and untruthful allegations which have been leveled against me and are circulating on the social media rumor mill. These allegations have no basis in truth or reality.” he wrote.

He said that he would be taking legal action. “I fully intend to institute legal proceedings against the perpetrators of these actions and I have instructed my legal team accordingly.”

He concluded by saying, “I would categorically like to state that I have always followed the law in its true letter and spirit and have never knowingly hurt another human being. I very strongly believe in all human rights of every human inhabiting planet earth.”

The statement was made after photos of his ex-wife’s bruises went viral on social media. Many celebrities were vocal in their condemnation, calling Feroze a “wife-beater”.

Actor Mansha Pasha urged her fans to speak up about important issues such as domestic abuse and said that no excuse or fandom was important enough to allow people to ignore violence. “It’s time to put a stop to this! We won’t sit by and wait for more Noor Muqqadams, more Sara Amirs just for the sake of not troubling the waters.”

Actror Mishi Khan sympathized with Aliza and said, “Thank God you’re out of this toxic relationship.”

Mariam Nafees asked, “Why do we raise our voices only when they’re dead? Why do we blame them when they manage to escape?” She attached a photo of Aliza’s bruises.

Meanwhile, Feroze Khan has been granted visitation rights for his two children. The court granted custody to Aliza and allowed the actor to visit his children twice a month.

Last month, Aliza opened up about her abusive marriage in an Instagram post, saying that she had to suffer “physical and psychological violence” at her husband’s hands.