Nagarjuna withdraws defamation case against minister over Samantha remarks
What's the story
Telugu superstar Akkineni Nagarjuna has decided to withdraw his defamation case against Telangana Minister Konda Surekha. This comes after Surekha publicly apologized for her controversial comments about Nagarjuna and his family. The minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that her earlier statements were not meant to defame the actor.
Actor's statement
'Mud-slinging on family is not negotiable'
Explaining his decision, Nagarjuna said in a statement, "I know I said when it comes to family, there is no compromise." "If the attack was on me alone, I would probably be more forgiving. But mudslinging on my family, that is not negotiable." "I said I will fight till my last breath. However, the lady admitted she made a genuine mistake." "I was advised not to let the matter drag on... But public figures should be careful with their words."
Apology issued
Here's what Surekha said in her apology
Surekha's public apology read, "I would wish to clarify that the statement I had made in relation to @iamnagarjuna Garu was not intended to hurt Nagarjuna Garu or his family members." "I had no intention of hurting or defaming Akkineni Nagarjuna Garu or his family members." "I regret any unintended impression given in my statements in relation to them and withdraw the same."
Twitter Post
'I would wish to clarify...'
I would wish to clarify that the statement I had made in relation to @iamnagarjuna Garu was not intended to hurt Nagarjuna Garu or his family members.
— Konda Surekha (@iamkondasurekha) November 11, 2025
I had no intention of hurting or defaming Akkineni Nagarjuna Garu or his family members.
I regret any unintended impression…
Controversial comments
What was the entire controversy about?
Surekha had previously leveled serious accusations against the Akkineni family, alleging that KT Rama Rao demanded Samantha Ruth Prabhu be sent to him in exchange for stopping the demolition of Nagarjuna's N-Convention Center. She claimed that Prabhu's refusal ultimately contributed to her separation from Nagarjuna's son, Naga Chaitanya. On August 24, 2024, the N-Convention Center was partially demolished by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency for allegedly encroaching on lake buffer zones.