Kochi, 10 November 2025 — The entertainment industry in South India has been jolted by a new wave of outrage, after a YouTuber’s body-shaming remarks directed at actress Gouri G Kishan have sparked fierce backlash. At the centre of the storm is the veteran actress and newly-elected President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), Shwetha Menon, who publicly condemned the incident and described the purported apology as “not genuine” signalling a strong stand against misogyny and disrespect in film-media interactions.
What triggered the controversy
The episode unfolded during a press conference for a Tamil film in which Gouri G Kishan was a participating actress. A YouTuber, identified in reports as RS Karthik, asked Gouri a question that many deemed to be a body-shaming remark implying criticism of her appearance in a way that was widely condemned as inappropriate and sexist.
Following mounting social media backlash, RS Karthik released a video apology, stating that he “never intended to hurt” Gouri and that his question was “misunderstood”.
However, the actress-union leader Shwetha Menon was quick to reject the apology as insincere. In her statement she said:
“I don’t feel that his statement was an apology… His body language said otherwise. We, all women, stand with Gouri Kishan irrespective of any industry.”
Why the AMMA president’s reaction matters
1. Symbolic leadership in a troubled space
Shwetha Menon’s role as AMMA President anchors this incident in a broader context of industry accountability. Her public rebuke marks one of the few times a top film-artists’ union leader has directly addressed body-shaming by a media professional. Her stand sends a message that the union will not tolerate disrespect towards actresses.
2. A collective voice: “We, all women…”
By framing her support in inclusive language “We, all women, stand with her” Menon aligned the incident with larger issues of gender-respect and professional dignity in entertainment. The commentary thus transcends one case and speaks to many women in industry who may have faced similar behaviour.
3. Spotlighting media ethics
The statement also implicitly critiques media professionals who operate with little accountability. By pointing out the apology’s non-genuine nature, Menon challenges performers and presenters to take responsibility for hurtful questions and commentary. This opens up debate about how far the media has moved from respectful journalism into sensationalism.
Gouri G Kishan’s position and response
Gouri G Kishan — known for roles in Malayalam and Tamil films — found herself targeted by this question at a press meet. According to reports, she initially froze, then later made a brief statement, thanking those supporting her and requesting that the incident not be made into a wider spectacle.
Through the union’s social channels, AMMA posted:
“We understand your pain, Gouri. We strongly believe that body-shaming is wrong irrespective of who does it, when or where.”
The actress has since received a wave of solidarity from fellow actors, technicians and industry bodies, underscoring that the reaction is not just personal but structural.
Wider industry backlash
The incident did not remain confined to fandoms and social media. The Nadigar Sangam, a prominent Tamil film actors’ association, also issued a strong statement condemning the YouTuber’s behaviour, calling it an example of “mockery disguised as journalism”.
Media analysts suggest this reaction could indicate a shift in how film-industry bodies treat media misconduct rather than silent acquiescence, multiple unions are now speaking out.
Why this matters beyond one press event
A. Body-shaming as a continuing issue
While body-shaming is widely recognised as a social ill, when it happens to actresses in public forums, the impact is amplified not only is the individual targeted, but the message is broadcast widely through online platforms, magnifying humiliation and normalising disrespect.
B. Power dynamics in entertainment press
Press meets often involve a mix of journalists, YouTubers, influencers sometimes without clear guidelines. The incident raises questions: Are media professionals aware of boundaries? Do film-makers and unions provide sufficient safeguards?
C. Workers’ dignity in front and behind-camera
Industry leaders like Menon are shifting the focus from just content to environment encouraging a culture where actors are treated with dignity, not just praised or critiqued for roles.
What happens next
- Union action: AMMA has indicated it will examine internal protocols and possibly demand formal apology and corrective steps from the YouTuber.
- Media guidelines: This may spur calls within film fraternities for media-behaviour guidelines at press conferences including the role of moderators and definition of acceptable questions.
- Public awareness: Social media commentary is likely to probe deeper into how female actors are asked questions about appearance rather than craft, and how this contributes to a toxic environment.
- Legitimacy of apology: Following Menon’s assessment of the apology as insincere, the question lingers what constitutes a genuine apology? Will any further statements or actions rectify harm done?
In the words of the AMMA President
Shwetha Menon’s remarks carried both firmness and empathy. She said:
“It is painful and wrong to engage in body-shaming, no matter who does it, when, or where. We will not tolerate such behaviour. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”
She also pointed out that at the event, several present failed to call out the question something she described as a missed opportunity to protect a colleague. By doing so, she implied that industry culture itself needs introspection.
What this says about men, women and the industry
Historically, film-press interactions have been dominated by male journalists and male actors; women often face questions about looks, marriages, children. This episode sheds light on how women are still subjected to shallow commentary while their professional bodies attempt to assert higher standards.
Menon’s reaction signals: change is coming. Women in front of camera are saying we expect the same respect in the media as we demand in our performances.
Wrap-up: A turning point, or a sign-post?
The event involving Gouri G Kishan and the YouTuber may be a single incident, but its implications are broader. With Shwetha Menon bringing the bully-question into public view and rejecting belated apologies, this could mark a turning point in how entertainment media and film fraternities confront disrespect.
It is, importantly, a moment of solidarity “we, all women, stand with her” is a phrase loaded with commitment. Whether the momentum will translate into policy, practice and culture change remains to be seen — but at the very least, the message is now loud: dignity is non-negotiable.
In an age where content is consumed rapidly and online behaviour is amplified, industry bodies and media alike must evolve. For Gouri G Kishan and for countless others the hope is simple: a forum where questions are asked in relation to work, not body-shame; where the spotlight shines on craft, not appearance. The wake-up call has rung. The solidarity is visible. Now, it’s time for action.
