As with any public figure, Zelika's rise to fame has not been without its share of controversy. Some have criticized her for "desahnya" (a term that roughly translates to speaking freely or candidly), which some perceive as inappropriate or unseemly for someone who wears the hijab. Others have questioned the compatibility of her outspoken nature with her religious identity.

The phenomenon surrounding Zelika's "desahnya" can be attributed to several factors: