KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran singer Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim, 64, has admitted that the 17-year-old who was charged with statutory rape against his cousin last December was her grandson.
Khadijah said in an interview with TV3 entertainment talk show Melodi yesterday that the unfortunate incident happened as a result of "outside parties" who influenced the teenagers who are both her grandchildren.
"It is a very unfortunate incident but it should not be exaggerated. Both their families should be given a chance to resolve it on their own," she said, adding that youngsters could easily be influenced to fall in love.
The evergreen singer who has refused to take sides also said that she prayed for the teenagers' parents to be strong in facing the crisis and do their utmost to resolve it amicably.
It was reported last December that a 17-year-old pleaded not guilty in the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's Court for statutory rape against his cousin, who was also 17.
The sexual offence allegedly took place at a house in Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya at 3am on Oct 15.
The accused was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.