Actor Gouri Kishan has publicly rejected the apology issued by a regional journalist who recently body-shamed her during a promotional event, stating that she does not believe in apologies that lack accountability or intent to correct behaviour. The controversy began when a journalist made comments about her body while discussing her appearance, sparking widespread criticism online.
The video clip, which circulated on social media, showed the journalist making remarks that many viewers described as disrespectful and deeply personal. Soon after the backlash intensified, the journalist released an apology. However, Gouri Kishan responded by clarifying that the issue was not simply about receiving an apology, but about addressing the normalisation of such treatment towards women in the entertainment industry.
‘Not Every Apology Has Value’
Gouri said she was “disappointed but not surprised,” adding that body-shaming has long been disguised as casual commentary. She stated that an apology without accountability becomes a performance meant to pacify audiences rather than correct behaviour.
“When a person apologises only after being called out, and not because they recognise the harm, that apology is not sincere,” she wrote.
“Accountability means understanding the impact, learning from it, and ensuring change.”
The actor emphasised that apologies often become public relations tools, where individuals apologise to “move on quickly” without altering how they treat others.
Demand for Respect and Safer Workspaces
Gouri noted that public figures, especially women, are routinely subjected to scrutiny regarding their appearance. She highlighted that discussing an actor’s body as if it were public property reflects larger cultural issues.
She pointed out that this particular incident is part of a broader pattern in interviews, red carpets, film promotions, and social media interactions. Women are frequently expected to tolerate commentary about their physical appearance as part of the job, she said, and that expectation must change.
The actor urged the media industry to reflect on how language shapes perceptions and contributes to emotional harm. She also asked institutions and organisations to strictly discourage such casual disrespect in professional spaces.
Industry Support
Following Gouri’s statement, several actors and colleagues extended support online, praising her courage to confront the issue publicly. Many stated that such conversations are long overdue, especially in regional cinema industries where actors have often been expected to remain silent for the sake of maintaining goodwill.
Several women across the entertainment community reflected on their own experiences, stating they had faced similar treatment during interviews and promotional events. Gouri’s stance, they said, could encourage others to speak up and outline boundaries.
Not About Outrage, But Change
Gouri clarified that her statement was not intended to attack or cancel the journalist personally. Instead, she said, the goal was to highlight how normalised disrespect has become.
She called for genuine learning and conversations about respect rather than defensive reactions.
“Accountability is not punishment. It is growth,” she noted.
Conclusion
Gouri Kishan’s stand has sparked meaningful dialogue within film circles and online communities about how women are treated during public interactions. By declining a performative apology and emphasising the need for introspection and cultural change, she has underlined the importance of dignity in professional spaces — not just for actors, but for all women.
Her message remains clear: Respect is non-negotiable.