Why latest Rushdie wife kicked off over Sky Sports ‘insult’

You might have thought being related to novelist Sir Salman Rushdie would be a cause for pride.

However, his daughter-in-law is fuming after being reminded of her family connection to the distinguished writer, who had a fatwah declared against him 30 years ago this month following the publication of his controversial novel The Satanic Verses.

Classical singer Natalie Rushdie (right) — who before marrying the author’s son, PR boss Zafar, was Natalie Coyle — is not happy after her marital link to the Man Booker Prize winner was spelled out to TV audiences by a Sky Sports commentator. After performing the National Anthem at Wembley Stadium on Sunday for the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC, the 31year-old said: ‘After I finished singing, a Sky Sports commentator felt the need, on air, to reference the fact I have a very wellknown father-in-law.’

‘This is So frustrating, not only because of the reductive nature, but it gives the impression that I was there purely due to a family connection and not the years of hard work and accomplishments, earning my own right, that have gone into getting me where I am today.’ Scottish-born Natalie graduated from Sheffield university with a degree in music and won a place with the Royal Choral Society. Sky Sports boss Barney Francis said: ‘This was in no way meant as a reductive comment. We celebrate family ties in sport, but they take nothing away from the individual and the merit they have earned.’ Perhaps Natalie should consider changing her name back?