30/01/2026
With the recent news in Singapore and the way the situation has being replayed, parodied, and turned into entertainment online, I found myself reflecting.
Not to justify what happened. Not to minimise responsibility.
But because, as a therapist, I can’t help but think about the wider system around this especially the family.
The children. The spouse. The parents.
Shame and humiliation don’t stay contained with the individuals involved. They ripple outward. Into homes, schools, friendships, and communities.
Children, in particular, do not yet have the emotional capacity adults have to process intense shame, confusion, or grief. Their nervous systems are still developing. They still have peers to face, peers who may repeat jokes, mock what they don’t understand, or turn something painful into ridicule. This can be overwhelming and deeply destabilising.
Yes, poor choices were made.
Yes, there are real consequences.
But prolonged public mockery extends the harm beyond accountability and into something else, something that affects people who had no choice in the matter.
I’m aware that saying this may invite “holier-than-thou” reactions. That isn’t my intention. This reflection comes from holding the family as a whole in mind because when something like this happens, everyone is impacted.
So while it may be entertaining to some, I hope we can pause and consider the unseen cost.
Imagine if this were your family.
Or your children.
A little restraint and compassion can still exist — even when accountability is necessary.
