Tamil cinema star dismisses 'filthy' accusations as attention-seeking attempt, suspects timing linked to new film's success
National Award-winning Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi has finally addressed the serious sexual exploitation allegations leveled against him on social media, categorically denying the claims and revealing that his team has filed a cybercrime complaint against the accuser.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the versatile actor dismissed the accusations as baseless and suggested they were motivated by a desire for attention rather than truth.
"Anyone who knows me even remotely will laugh at this. I know myself too. This kind of filthy accusation can't upset me," Sethupathi stated firmly. "My family and close friends are upset, but I tell them, 'Let it slide. This woman is obviously doing it to be noticed. She has her few minutes of fame, let her enjoy it.'"
The allegations surfaced earlier this week when an X (formerly Twitter) user named Ramya Mohan posted explosive claims against the actor. The now-deleted posts alleged that Sethupathi had offered substantial sums of money for inappropriate favors, including "Rs. 2 lakh for caravan favors" and "Rs. 50k for drives."
The posts also contained broader accusations about the Tamil film industry, referencing what the user described as a pervasive culture of exploitation disguised as industry norms. However, the accuser's account has since been deactivated, and no specific names or timelines were provided to substantiate the claims.
Sethupathi, known for his roles in critically acclaimed films like "Maharaja," "Viduthalai," and "Super Deluxe," emphasized that this isn't his first encounter with malicious campaigns.
"We've complained to cybercrime. I've faced all kinds of whispering campaigns for seven years. Such targeting has not affected me so far. It never will," he asserted, demonstrating a seasoned approach to handling controversy.
The actor also questioned the timing of these allegations, suggesting they might be connected to the positive reception of his latest release, "Thalaivan Thalaivii," which stars him opposite Nithya Menen.
"My new film is doing well. Probably, some jealous elements think that by tarnishing me, they can damage my film. It doesn't work that way," Sethupathi explained, pointing to what he believes are coordinated efforts to undermine his current success.
The film, which hit theaters on July 25, has been performing steadily at the box office, collecting Rs. 44 crores within its first five days of release.
Sethupathi's response also touched on the broader issue of social media accountability in today's digital landscape. "In today's day and age, anyone can say anything about anybody. There are no filters. All you need is an account on social media, and you can write what you like without fear of repercussion," he observed.
The actor, who has successfully transitioned between Tamil and Hindi cinema with notable performances in Shah Rukh Khan's "Jawan" and "Merry Christmas" alongside Katrina Kaif, remains focused on his work despite the controversy.
As the cybercrime investigation proceeds, Sethupathi continues to maintain his innocence while emphasizing his resilience against what he characterizes as unfounded attacks on his reputation and character.
