  We explore the validity of vector meson dominance in the radiative decay of
the $b_1(1235)$ meson. In order to explain the violation of the vector meson
dominance hypothesis in this decay process, we investigate a model where the
$b_1$ meson strongly couples with the local current in tensor bilinear
representation. The tensor representation is investigated in the framework of
the operator product expansion and we found a low energy decay process that
does not follow the usual vector meson dominance hypothesis. The $\omega$-like
intermediate meson state of quantum numbers $I^G(J^{PC}) = 0^{-}(1^{--})$ is
found to have a nontrivial role in the decay process of the $b_1$ meson. The
spectral structure of the $\omega$-like state is found to be close to a
$\pi$-$\rho$ hybrid state, which provides a mechanism that evades the usual
vector meson dominance hypothesis. Precise measurements of various decay
channels of the $b_1$ meson are, therefore, required to unravel the internal
structure of axial vector mesons.
