AIADMK Leader's Controversial Remarks Against Trisha: 3 Key Developments Since AV Raju's Video Surfaced

Trisha Krishnan has threatened to take legal action against the AIADMK leader who made derogatory comments against her.

"It's disgusting to repeatedly see low lives and despicable human beings who will stoop down to any level to gain attention. Rest assured, necessary and severe action will be taken. Anything that needs to be said and done henceforth will be from my legal department," Trisha said as the video of the AIADMK functionary named AV Raju went viral.

What Did He Say?

AV Raju had uttered indecent and disrespectful remarks about her when discussing the 2017 Koovathur Resort incident, during which AIADMK MLAs were relocated there following Jayalalithaa's demise.

It was during this time that AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswamy was selected as Chief Minister under the guidance of the then-party leader Sasikala. Immediately afterward, Sasikala was transferred to a Bengaluru prison to serve a four-year sentence stemming from her conviction in the disproportionate assets case, in which Jayalalithaa was the main defendant.

The video of his indecent remarks had gone viral on social media.

Criticism

As his clip went viral, netizens came down heavily on the AIADMK leader, who was expelled from the party recently. Many celebrities slammed him over his remarks.

Actress and social activist Dr MK Sharmila was first to comment on the issue. On X, she said, "What nonsense is this fellow talking? He is trying to tarnish the reputation of women in cinema for his personal vengeance... the entire media was camped outside Koovathur resort ... how is it possible to even take a popular actress there without any media attention."

Expressing her anguish, actress Kasturi Shankar said, "I am pained this has come from someone from a party led by Ms Jayalalithaa the iron lady,"

Hailing Trisha for speaking about the issue, singer Chinmayi said, "Glad she spoke up and hope he rots in jail(which may not happen) but rots otherwise."

Producer Aditi Ravindranath said, "It is 2024; we talk about women empowerment and equality - why drag an unrelated person into personal mud slinging. There are basic lines which should not be crossed."

AV Raju's Apology

Following the criticism, AV Raju extended his apologies to Trisha during a press interaction on Tuesday evening. He clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted by the media, stating, "I referred to a woman resembling actress Trisha, not the actress herself. I apologize to everyone in the film industry, including Trisha."

FEFSI's Reaction

Meanwhile, the Film Employees Federation of South India has issued a statement, condeming Raju's remarks. It said: "Don't needlessly level unfounded cheap allegations against women in the film industry. The state and central governments should deal this assault on women with an iron hand."