Actress Gouri G Kishan has firmly rejected the apology issued by YouTuber R.S. Karthik, calling it “performative” and “hollow words.” The actress stated that apologies made without responsibility cannot be accepted, following a recent controversy over a body-shaming remark made during a film promotion event.

In a post on X, Gouri expressed her disappointment over the YouTuber’s justification and said she refuses to accept his apology.

“An apology without accountability isn’t an apology at all. Especially when it’s brushed off with “she misunderstood the question — it was just a fun one,” or worse — “I didn’t body-shame anyone.” Let me be clear. I won’t accept performative remorse or hollow words. Do better, RS Karthik,” she wrote.

Her response came after R.S. Karthik released a video apologising for the incident, claiming that his question was “misunderstood” and that he never intended to body-shame the actress. In the same video, he maintained that it was a light-hearted question and that he only regretted it if Gouri felt hurt.

AMMA President also criticises the apology

Following the backlash, several members of the film fraternity voiced their support for Gouri. Shweta Menon, president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), also condemned Karthik’s response. She stated that, “I don't feel that his statement was an apology... His body language said otherwise” and emphasised that such incidents highlight the need for greater respect toward artists during media interactions.

How the controversy began

The controversy erupted during a press event in Chennai ahead of the screening of the Tamil film “Others.” Gouri Kishan, who rose to fame with her role in 96 and has since appeared in several Tamil and Malayalam films, was reportedly asked an inappropriate question about her body weight by the YouTuber.

The actress handled the situation with composure but firmly criticised the comment, stating that such questions were “disrespectful and irrelevant.” When Karthik attempted to justify his question by linking it to the film’s theme, Gouri called him out publicly for body-shaming and insensitivity.

YouTuber Karthik’s response to Gouri

Initially, R.S. Karthik refused to apologise, dismissing the controversy as ‘unnecessary drama’ created for movie promotion. However, as social media users and fellow artists rallied behind Gouri, the YouTuber released an apology video. His explanation that the question was a joke was widely criticised for lacking sincerity.

Fans and celebrities across the Tamil and Malayalam film industries have voiced their support for Gouri G Kishan, applauding her for speaking up against casual body-shaming in media circles.