‘Utter insensitivity’: WCC expresses solidarity with Gouri Kishan in body shaming controversy

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organisation working towards gender equality in the Malayalam film industry, has extended its support to actor Gouri G Kishan, who recently faced body-shaming remarks during a press event. The collective said that the incident exposes the regressive mindset of certain individuals and urged society not to trivialise or glorify such behaviour.

The full statement from WCC reads, “The recent remarks directed toward Gouri Kishan at a press conference once again brings to the fore the utter insensitivity and regressive thinking of many individuals in society even today. Harassment, in any form or context, is unequivocally unacceptable. We reject any attempt to normalize, dismiss, or glorify such behaviour.”

“In an industry founded on empathy and storytelling, the dignity of every artist is non-negotiable. No professional should ever be forced to defend their personhood to secure respect or recognition.

Her courage in confronting the perpetrator at the press conference reinforces that mutual respect must be the unwavering foundation of our collective workspaces.

As an industry that powerfully shapes culture and conversation, we must actively choose accountability, empathy, and decisive action over apathy and silence.

We stand in solidarity with Gouri Kishan and with every artist who finds the courage to demand the respect they have earned,” the statement read.

The controversy arose during a press conference in Chennai held ahead of the release of ‘Others’, a Tamil film in which Gouri plays the lead role. During the event, a YouTuber made an inappropriate remark about the actor.

The issue reportedly began earlier, when a YouTuber questioned Gouri about her weight in connection with a scene where co-actor Aditya Madhavan lifts her. Although Gouri chose not to respond at the time, she later revealed in an interview that the question had made her uncomfortable.

At the recent press screening on Thursday, the same YouTuber allegedly tried to justify his earlier remarks and raised his voice during the discussion, prompting Gouri to respond directly. “No one asked me about my character or preparation for the role. Everyone only wanted to know about my weight,” she said. “Would you ask a male actor the same question?” she added.

The video of the exchange quickly went viral, drawing widespread support for Gouri from across the film fraternity. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada and several other artists including Khusbhu, Kavin, and Pa. Ranjith took to social media to express solidarity with the actor.

Meanwhile, her co-actor and the director of the film, who were also present at the press conference, have faced criticism online for remaining silent during the incident. Both expressed support for Gouri later via social media.