Social media influencer Hansika Krishna has released an official statement addressing the controversy surrounding a private video taken from her Instagram subscription service and circulated widely without her consent. The incident, which escalated rapidly across platforms such as X and Instagram, triggered a wave of criticism, speculation and intense scrutiny of the 20-year-old content creator. 

Hansika acknowledged in her statement that the clip had been uploaded to her subscription feed briefly, describing it as an impulsive act that she immediately regretted. “Looking back, it was a careless and silly decision from my side, and something I genuinely regret,” she said, adding, “I still don't know why I posted it. It was a mistake.” She noted that the video was removed within minutes but not before “a few people who were part of the subscription” screen-recorded it and later circulated it online.

Read full statement here:

Hansika reflects on emotional toll of the controversy

The influencer said she decided to speak out after silently processing the emotional toll of the past month. “Over the last month, I have been carrying a lot of pain, regret, and heaviness in my heart,” she said, explaining that the decision to publicly address the issue stemmed from wanting to communicate honestly with those who genuinely cared about her.

Hansika emphasised that the consequences of her actions primarily affected her and her family. “There are two people who were truly and directly hurt by what I did, myself and my family,” she said. She added that the emotional strain they endured outweighed speculation from those not directly involved.

Denies allegations of seeking publicity or profit

Following the leak, several social media users claimed that Hansika had posted the clip deliberately to draw attention or boost subscription numbers. The influencer rejected these allegations, stressing that financial or publicity motives played no role.

“Many people accused me of doing it for money and publicity,” she said. “But I sincerely want to say that there were never any intentions like that behind it.” She noted that at 20, she had already gained financial stability and sustained visibility online, “Publicity is not something we crave for or lack in our lives.”

Hansika also pointed out that the timing made such motives implausible. Her elder sister Ahaana Krishna had a music video releasing just three days after the incident, one in which Hansika also appeared. She said she would never knowingly jeopardise her sister’s work, “If I had put any real thought into the consequences… I would never have done something that I knew might negatively affect her work too.”

Cyberbullying and online harassment

The influencer described the online reaction as disproportionately harsh, stating that the backlash often crossed into targeted harassment. She said that while criticism of public figures is expected, some individuals “turned this entire situation into a project”, producing repeated content purely for engagement.

Hansika said many of these videos used “deeply hurtful language” and extended hostility toward her entire family. She added she had nothing more to say to those who engaged in cyberbullying or revelled in her distress, remarking that the experience had made her reflect on “how easily people can become so hateful towards another human being”.

Clarifies subscription price hike and donation claim

Among the claims circulating online was that Hansika increased her Instagram subscription price, from ₹299 to ₹399, to capitalise on the attention. She addressed this directly, explaining that she initially considered shutting down the subscription entirely but feared it would fuel further negativity.

Her decision instead was to raise the price temporarily, hoping it would deter new subscribers. “I am not forcing anyone to believe me, I simply wanted to share my truth honestly,” she wrote, noting that the additional income generated during this period “has been donated towards a social cause”.

Acting career and recent projects

Hansika is the youngest daughter of actor-politician Krishnakumar and is well-known on social media, particularly among Malayalam-speaking audiences. Her sisters, Ishaani Krishna, Diya Krishna, and Ahaana Krishna, are active in entertainment and influencer circles.

With more than 1.6 million followers, Hansika has cultivated a substantial presence through dance videos, reels and lifestyle content aimed at younger audiences.

Hansika is preparing for her mainstream film debut opposite Naslen in the upcoming Malayalam film ‘Bachelor Party 2 D'eux’. She also recently appeared in ‘Pookkal’, a music video directed by Ahaana Krishna, which she had promoted shortly before the controversy erupted.

Concluding her statement, Hansika reiterated that she was not seeking sympathy or attempting to avoid accountability. “I am truly sorry. I know I let many of you down,” she said, acknowledging that the incident may alter public perception of her.

However, she expressed hope that those who supported her would recognise that the mistake was not intentional. “This experience has taught me difficult but valuable lessons,” she said. “I hope… with time, you will forgive me and give me another chance.”