In The Gambia, rumors about marriage troubles, whether true or fabricated, are regarded as one of those things that should be kept under the wraps. Last week, What’s On-Gambia posted on Facebook the rumored crack in Hellen Maroun’s marriage with Balla Gaye II; It left some people fuming with rage. 

According to the Senegalese media, the crack actually started when co-wife, Boury Bathily insisted that Balla should turn his back on Hellen. A friend to the Gambian-Lebanese beauty was quoted saying; “She feels a bit abandoned by Balla, who rarely comes to Gambia and she is hardly in Senegal.” 

Hellen’s fans were angered by the rumor and they wasted no time to jump to her defense.  Most of them were less than pleased with the way the Senegalese media was spreading the rumor. 

One Jolly Fatty commented on our Facebook post: “Even though we are not Senegalese, but we know Hellen and Boury are like day and night. Helen’s attitude and up bring would not allow her behave like Boury does.  People have been criticizing Hellen since day one but we are not doing that to many Senegalese married to Gambians. Let’s try and respect each other, we’re all Senegambians.” 

Jolly added: “After reading a lot of the first wife's comments and the Senegalese media giving her upper hand and fame, they don’t like Hellen at all.” 

A reaction that was reoccurring on the What’s On-Gambia Facebook page was that Gambians should stand by Hellen and not let the Senegalese media ruin her marriage. 

Another fan, Aisha Kujabi wrote: “We’re all behind you, Hellen. Balla should be proud he has you as a wife.” 

One Sarjo Barra also commented: “Go Hellen, Balla is your man. No matter what happen don’t listen to bad advice, just keep moving girl. Love you Hellen!” 

In reaction to the media reports, Hellen’s sister Janine Maroun debunked the rumored crack in her sister’s marriage, insisting that her sister is happily married and she should be given space. 

She said: “My sister is so happy with her marriage life so you people think if Balla is coming to see her it should be on GRTS or KWT? Lord by len suma mak. She is so happy with her husband all you saying are lies. My sister is happy and may the almighty Allah keep blessing her wit happiness. To all of you that kept praying for her in good heart YALLAH YALLAH naggu sen nyan!”