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Padma Lakshmiis rooting for her ex-husbandSalman Rushdie’s recovery.
The television host wrote in a statement onTwitterSunday that she feels at ease after learning about Rushdie’s latest condition after he was stabbed during an attack in upstate New York earlier in the week.
“Relieved @SalmanRushdie is pulling through after Friday’s nightmare,” Lakshmi, 51, tweeted. “Worried and wordless, can finally exhale. Now hoping for swift healing.”
Lakshmi’s statement about Rushdie, 75, came as the author’s son Zafar Rushdie spoke toNBC Newsabout his dad’s current state in the hospital.
Noting that Salman “remains in critical condition,” Zafar added, “We are extremely relieved that yesterday he was taken off the ventilator and additional oxygen and he was able to say a few words.”
“Though his life-changing injuries are severe, his usual feisty & defiant sense of humor remains intact,” Zafar’s statement continued. “We are so grateful to all the audience members who bravely leapt to his defense and administered first aid along with the police and doctors who have cared for him and for the outpouring of love and support from around the world.”
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“We ask for continued patience and privacy as the family comes together at his bedside to support and help him through this time,” he concluded.
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The Satanic Versesauthor wasattackedas he was being introduced at a literary festival at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York, on Friday.
The New York State Police later announced in areleasethat the attacker had been identified as 24-year-old Hadi Matar of Fairview, New Jersey.
On Saturday, outlets includingNBC News,CNNandThe New York Postconfirmed Matar wascharged with attempted murder and assault— both in the second degree.
The Chautauqua County District Attorney said in a statement that they have been in contact with local prosecutors in New Jersey, where Matar is from, “to better understand the planning and preparation which preceded the attack,” as well as determine if any additional charges should be asserted, the outlets said.
“We will try to be as transparent as we can without compromising the case,” the statement continued.
Matar pled not guilty to his charges on Saturday,CNNreported, citing his public defender, Nathaniel Barone. The alleged assailant has refused bail and his next court appearance is now scheduled for Friday, the outlet said.
source: people.com
