Gouri Kishan addresses body-shaming incident: 'Comments on appearance are inappropriate...'
What's the story
Actor Gouri Kishan (26) has reacted to a controversial incident at a Chennai press meet for her recent film Others. At the event, a journalist asked her co-star Aditya Madhavan about Kishan's weight, referencing a scene where he lifts her in the film. This sparked outrage online and reignited discussions about sexism and body shaming in the entertainment industry. Here's what happened.
Discomfort
'How does my weight concern you?'
At the press meet, she expressed her discomfort with the question. She questioned its relevance, and when the journalist defended his question, she firmly replied, "How does my weight concern you? How is it relevant to this movie? Every woman has a different body type." "I will let my talent speak. I've only done character-driven films so far. I don't need your validation."
Rejection of dismissal
'I did not find it funny...'
Some journalists at the event tried to downplay the question as "light-hearted," but Kishan refused to accept that. She said, "I did not find it funny. Stop normalizing body shaming. It was a question about me; I have the right to have an opinion." "But everyone wants to know about my weight," she pointed out, saying how no one had asked her a single question about her character or how she prepared for the role.
Confrontation escalated
The actor was widely praised for her assertive response
As the confrontation escalated, Kishan told the reporter, "You are objectifying a female actor. This is not journalism; you are a disgrace to your profession." Her calm and confident response drew widespread praise after the video went viral, earning her support from colleagues and social media users alike. Later, addressing the incident in an official statement, Kishan said she wished she had been asked questions about the film instead of her appearance.
Statement issued
Kishan issued a statement addressing the incident later
On Saturday, Kishan issued a statement that read, "As a public figure, I understand that scrutiny is part of my profession. However, comments or questions, direct or indirect, that target a person's body or appearance are inappropriate in any context." "I hope this will be a reminder to anyone who has felt this way that we are allowed to speak up." "We are allowed to express our discomfort, question when wronged, and work toward stopping this cycle."
Empathy emphasized
'Not an invitation to target or harass the individual involved'
Kishan further stressed the need for empathy, saying, "I also want to be clear, this is not an invitation to target or harass the individual involved." "Let's use this moment instead to move forward with greater empathy, sensitivity, and respect on all sides." Meanwhile, Others were released in cinemas on Friday.