Singer Swagatha S Krishnan Levels Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Tamil Music Composer

Tamil singer Swagatha S Krishnan alleges abuse and coercive control by a music director in a soundproof studio, with threats and secret filming. She plans legal action to prevent further harm and notes impacts on her career and mental health, urging industry reforms to protect women.

Singer Swagatha S Krishnan has said a music director sexually abused and threatened Swagatha inside a studio, and has now stated an intention to begin legal proceedings. Swagatha alleged that other women faced a similar pattern of behaviour and said the aim of going to court is to stop further harm rather than seek personal revenge.

In a recent interview on YouTube channel Sivasankari Talks, Swagatha described the unnamed composer as the "Epstein of Madras" and claimed the abuse drove Swagatha close to quitting Tamil music. Swagatha said a move from Chennai to Rishikesh followed the experience, which left Swagatha reconsidering career plans and personal safety within the industry.

Singer Swagatha S Krishnan sexual abuse allegations against music director

Detailing the alleged assault, Swagatha said it happened inside the music director's studio, a place once viewed as safe. According to Swagatha, the room was soundproof, locked, and filled with CCTV cameras, including secret ones. Swagatha alleged the act was filmed and the recording later used to threaten and silence. "It was a soundproof room even if I screamed, no one could hear me," she said.

Swagatha recalled thinking about Epstein Files while reflecting on the abuse and said that the "music director was the king" of such behaviour. Swagatha claimed the person followed a pattern with others, gaining trust first, then misusing it. Swagatha alleged that the director acted like a mentor, encouraged emotional dependence, and then used financial pressure to gain control over independent women entering the studio.

Singer Swagatha S Krishnan sexual abuse claims and career impact

As part of the alleged financial control, Swagatha said the music director regularly borrowed money, delayed repayment, and slowly tightened influence over victims. Swagatha later received messages from other women, who said they had similar experiences with the same person. According to Swagatha, secretly filming women and even children inside the studio had become "like a hobby" for the music director.

Swagatha also spoke about the emotional aftermath. Swagatha said there was intense shame after the incident and alleged that false theft accusations were spread within the music circle. Swagatha claimed the abuser's family took part in discrediting and discussing Swagatha negatively. The singer said isolation lasted for days and therapy, along with support from Swagatha's sister, became essential for coping.

Describing the physical and psychological impact, Swagatha said the memory of unwanted contact became unbearable. Swagatha underwent skin treatments because the feeling of being touched stayed on the body. "I felt like the parts of my body he touched shouldn't exist," she said. These experiences, Swagatha added, contributed to the decision to leave Chennai and seek distance from the industry.

Before the alleged abuse, Swagatha was known for work in Tamil films, including "Yeno Pennae" from Ispade Rajavum Irudhaya Raniyum and "Kadhal Kanmani" from Bachelor. The songs built a following for Swagatha in cinema music. The claims now cast a shadow over that phase of Swagatha's career, which was closely linked with studio sessions in Chennai.

Swagatha said lawyers and senior officials were consulted soon after the alleged abuse, but a formal complaint was not filed then. Fear, lack of support, and concerns about reputation within the music scene held Swagatha back. Swagatha has now said a decision has been made to proceed legally so that, as stated, no other woman faces the same ordeal again.