Honey Rose: I declare war on offensive social media trolls on behalf of all women

Actor Honey Rose issued a follow-up statement on Monday addressing the obscene comments and derogatory remarks frequently directed at her. “I have never appeared in public wearing any clothing that is not permitted by the Indian legal system. I am not responsible for each of you creating your own code of laws according to your own thoughts,” she said.

The statement comes a day after the Ernakulam Central police registered a case against 30 individuals for posting offensive comments under a social media post by the actor. The case, filed under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (sexual harassment) and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act (publishing obscene material online), carries penalties including up to one year of imprisonment or a fine. On Monday, police detained a 60-year-old man, Shaji of Kumbalam, in connection with the case.

Honey expressed frustration with the double standards and constant scrutiny she faces as a public figure. She stated that as an actress, attending events is part of her profession, and while she accepts constructive criticism and humour, she believes there must be boundaries. "I don’t mind being criticized or made fun of, but there should be reasonable restrictions on such remarks and gestures," she said.

The actor also addressed the wider issue of gendered abuse online, underscoring her commitment to standing up against such behaviour. “If there are obscenities in the criticisms against me, I will come back to you after studying all the protections given to women as per the Indian Code of Law,” she stated. “Once again I, Honey Rose, declare war on you foul-mouthed, offensive social media trolls on behalf of all women going through the same situation,” the actor concluded. Her stance has sparked a conversation about online decorum, with many applauding her decision to confront obscene trolls and harassers head-on.

Honey’s upcoming film Rachel is scheduled to release on January 10.