‘Kept me like a slave’: Tamil actor Ravi Mohan explodes over divorce row | VIDEO

Chennai: Tamil film star Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi) made a highly emotional and unfiltered appearance at a press meet in Chennai on Saturday, breaking his silence for the first time regarding his turbulent divorce battle with estranged wife Aarti Ravi. The actor's raw testimony—particularly his explosive claim that he was “kept like a slave”—has rapidly gone viral, triggering intense debate across social media platforms.

Speaking out after long silence
Addressing the media, the actor explained that his prolonged silence on the matter was a conscious choice made solely to protect his children and family. However, he noted that this restraint backfired, as public misinterpretations were weaponised against him.
 

In a poignant disclosure, the actor revealed that he was forced to walk out of his own home with "nothing" and has been enduring severe emotional and personal trauma since the separation.

Driven by the ongoing crisis, he announced a temporary hiatus from the film industry, stating he would abandon acting until his personal life stabilises and his private matters are thoroughly cleaned up.

Allegations of cyberbullying and character assassination

The star launched a scathing attack against online trolls and specific sections of the digital audience for manufacturing false narratives. He stated that he has been a victim of relentless cyberbullying and severe misrepresentation in public domains.

According to the actor, the online perception created about him is entirely detached from reality. He expressed deep distress over the constant trolling and premature judgment from onlookers who are narrating stories about his private life without knowing the underlying truth.

The 'slave' controversy and financial claims

The flashpoint of the press meet came when the actor detailed the systemic lack of personal autonomy he faced during his marriage, leading to his explosive remark that he had been “kept like a slave.” He asserted that he possessed no control over his own choices and felt completely restricted by his domestic circumstances.

Responding to unchecked internet rumours, the actor vehemently denied various online allegations, pointing to his two-decade-long film career as proof of his consistent respect toward women. He emphasised that he has tirelessly supported his family throughout his life, but found his current situation severely exacerbated by hostile public opinion and coordinated online attacks.

The high-profile marital dispute, which originally grabbed headlines in 2024, remains heavily under the media spotlight. With the actor pausing his film commitments to legally and personally navigate this crisis, public scrutiny surrounding the fallout is expected to intensify.