Konda Surekha Issues Public Apology For Linking Samantha’s Divorce With KTR

After Telangana Minister Konda Surekha's remarks sparked controversy, she has since clarified her intentions and taken a step back. Surekha explained that her comments were not meant to hurt the Akkineni family or Samantha Ruth Prabhu. In response to Samantha's post, the minister said that she unconditionally withdraws her comments if Sam or her fans feel offended. It's worth mentioning that while Surekha didn't tender an apology to Samantha, she did urge her to "not think otherwise."

In a sensational claim, Surekha alleged that BRS president KT Rama Rao (KTR) demanded the actress's presence in exchange for sparing Nagarjuna Akkineni's N-Convention Centre from demolition. The minister claimed that "KTR asked to send Samantha in return for not demolishing the N-Convention Centre. Nagarjuna forced Samantha to go to KTR, but she said no. That led to divorce," she was reported saying by Deccan Herald.

Further fueling the fire, Surekha accused KTR of meddling in the private lives of actresses, claiming he had tapped their phones and exploited their vulnerabilities. "It is KT Rama Rao because of whom Samantha's divorce happened. He was a minister at that time and used to tap the phones of the actresses and then find their weaknesses to blackmail them," she said, suggesting that this manipulation contributed to Samantha's struggles.

In response to the backlash, Samantha addressed Surekha's comments on social media, expressing her disappointment. "To be a woman, to come out and work, to survive in a glamorous industry where women are more often than not treated as props... It takes a lot of courage and strength," she stated. She called for sensitivity and respect regarding individual privacy, especially from public figures like Surekha.

Recognising the controversy her comments had caused, Konda Surekha later posted an apology on Samantha's X account. "My intention was to question a leader's belittling attitude towards women leaders. Please don't be hurt. The way you have grown on your own is an inspiration to me. If you or your fans were offended, I retract my comments. Sorry," she wrote.

Surekha emphasized that her comments were not meant to offend or diminish Samantha's accomplishments, noting that the actress's journey in the film industry is one she admires.