Saudi Man Divorces Wife Over Unanswered WhatsApp Message, Sparking Debate on Marital Respect

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A unique divorce case from 2014 has resurfaced, detailing how a Saudi Arabian man ended his marriage after his wife failed to respond to his WhatsApp message. The man, who remains anonymous, stated that his wife's lack of response, despite reading the message, was the culmination of ongoing issues within their marriage. According to the man, his wife had become increasingly engrossed with her phone, often neglecting household duties and their child. He cited her constant preoccupation as a significant factor leading to the breakdown of their relationship. The final incident, where she reportedly ignored his message, proved to be the tipping point. When he later confronted her about it, she allegedly responded, “I was busy talking to a friend.” This explanation was deemed insufficient by the husband, who promptly filed for divorce. The case has sparked considerable debate regarding communication in modern relationships and the definition of disrespect. While some argue that the husband's reaction was extreme, others suggest that the unanswered message was merely a symptom of deeper, unresolved marital problems. The incident highlights the growing impact of digital communication on personal relationships and the varying expectations partners have regarding responsiveness.