The Malaysian-born gay newlywed at the center of a brewing transcontinental and largely faith-based controversy spoke out today to the Irish Times, denying claims that he had ever been missing, and lamenting the sudden spotlight that’s been cast upon him.

28-year-old Ariff Alfian Rosli says that despite widespread news reports that his whereabouts had been unknown for the past several years, both his family and the Malaysian embassy in Ireland have always known where to find him, though he has been estranged from his father back in Malaysia for some time.

“I feel I have been inadvertently thrust into the public eye,” Rosli told the Irish Times. “I just want to get by without upsetting anyone or causing any trouble. My overriding concern is for my family.”

Meanwhile, both Facebook and Twitter have been ablaze with both those supporting Rosli and calling on him to “repent” his supposed sins against Islam. The Malaysian Insider reported Twitter comments from users like @shkyla, who wrote: “Looking at those wedding pictures of Ariff Alfian, makes me want to vomit. Blergh, disgusting.”

Others, like Alfi Dino on Facebook, defended Rosli: “Its beyond ridiculous! He is living his life! Let him be. He is a human being just like anyone who deserves happiness. Theres nothing wrong with being gay even when you’re Muslim.”

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