During a recent interview, Lakshmi Manchu had called out a renowned journalist for allegedly body-shaming and age-shaming remarks, where the latter commented on Lakhmi’s dressing choices, insinuating them to be inappropriate for a 40-something mother. Now, Lakshmi Manchu has decided to take a formal action against the same.
In a statement issued to Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce (TFCC), Lakshmi penned, “India is a country that reveres women as Shakti, yet when we step into professional spaces, we are subjected to casual misogyny, humiliation, and disrespect. This cannot continue. I owe it not only to myself but to the many young women who look up to me to call this out.”
Further addressing the interview where the offensive remarks were made, Lakshmi noted, “I will always be open to tough questions, to criticism, and to scrutiny as a public figure. But I will not tolerate cruelty masked as journalism.”
As a concluding note, Lakshmi demanded a public apology from the said journalist, and requested TFCC to ensure that ‘no other woman has to endure this kind of mistreatment.’ “Respect is not optional. Accountability is not negotiable,” Lakshmi added.
On a professional note, Lakshmi Manchu had a theatrical release this week, Daksha, which arrives in theatres on Friday.