Chinmayi Sripaada slams troll for mocking her past abuse, says victim-blaming won’t silence her

Chinmayi Sripaada Hits Back at Troll Who Mocked Her Sexual Harassment Experience.

Singer and voice artist Chinmayi Sripaada has strongly responded to an online troll who referred to her sexual harassment case, accusing her of hypocrisy for speaking about women’s safety. The exchange occurred on X (formerly Twitter), where the singer is known for voicing her opinions on social issues, including gender equality and violence against women.

THE INCIDENT
The controversy began after a quote from Chinmayi’s husband, actor Rahul Ravindran, resurfaced online. In the interview, Rahul had said it was Chinmayi’s choice whether or not to wear a “mangalsutra” after marriage. The statement drew a wave of misogynistic reactions from some users.

Chinmayi replied to one such thread, writing, “He literally said it in some context in an interview which became a tweet. The rage from men calling him all sorts of names — I am honestly worried for the women here.”

In response, one user posted a vile comment referring to Chinmayi’s past harassment, saying she “couldn’t save” herself when lyricist Vairamuthu “allegedly groped” her, and questioned why she was “worried for other women.”

CHINMAYI’S RESPONSE
The singer swiftly shut down the troll, writing, “Yes. Because getting groped and molested is MY fault. Why do men like you have to bring up my sexual harassment episode and my molester to prove some non-point? Just please vanish into thin air in Delhi so that I don’t have to breathe it.”

Her sharp comeback was widely shared, with many users praising her for calling out victim-blaming and the insensitivity often faced by survivors of abuse.

BACKGROUND
Chinmayi was one of the first prominent voices to come forward during India’s #MeToo movement in 2018, accusing lyricist Vairamuthu of sexually harassing her during a concert tour in Switzerland in 2005. She also amplified the voices of other women who made similar allegations against him.

Following her disclosures, Chinmayi was removed from the South Indian Cine, Television Artistes, and Dubbing Artistes Union (SICTADAU) after she publicly supported women who had accused union president Radha Ravi of misconduct.

PERSONAL LIFE
Chinmayi married actor Rahul Ravindran on May 5, 2014, after a year of dating. The couple welcomed twins — daughter Driptah and son Sharvas — on June 18, 2022.