Body shaming: Gouri issues statement, urges not to target individual; thanks AMMA, press club

Chennai: Actor Gouri G. Kishan on Saturday expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from industry peers, associations, and the public following a tense interaction with a YouTube vlogger earlier this week. She in her X post acknowledged statements of solidarity from the Chennai Press Club, AMMA Association (Malayalam Film Industry), and South India Nadigar Sangam, as well as colleagues and friends who reached out.

“I am deeply grateful for all the support I have received. It was unexpected, overwhelming and humbling. Thank you to the Chennai Press Club, AMMA Association (Malayalam Film Industry), South India Nadigar Sangam for your statements. Thank you to the press and media, and to the public for your unwavering support. Thank you to everyone in the industry who has reached out and stood in solidarity—to my contemporaries, colleagues, and friends. Only love, Gouri,” she said.

Actor highlights professional scrutiny vs body shaming

Kishan addressed the incident itself, emphasising the importance of respectful interactions. “As a public figure, I understand that scrutiny is part of my profession. However, comments or questions direct or indirect—that target a person's body or appearance are inappropriate in any context. I wish I had been asked questions about the film—the work I was there for. I cannot help but wonder if they would ask a male actor the same, in the same aggressive tone,” she stated.

She said standing her ground was crucial not just for herself but for others facing similar experiences: “I am grateful for being able to stand my ground in a difficult situation, it was important not only for myself but for anyone who has faced the same. This is not new but still prevalent—normalising body shaming in jest, while perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. I hope this will be a reminder to anyone who has felt this way that we are allowed to speak up. We are allowed to express our discomfort, question when wronged, and work towards stopping this cycle.”

Call for empathy, not harassment

Kishan made it clear that her statement was not a call to target the vlogger: “I also want to be clear—this is not an invitation to target or harass the individual involved. Let's use this moment instead to move forward with greater empathy, sensitivity, and respect on all sides.”