9 PM | ETV Telugu News | 2nd March 2024

Telugu actor Eesha Rebba, last seen in Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, has taken a strong stand against online harassment following a disturbing social media incident. The actor recently approached the Banjara Hills Police Station and filed a formal complaint, alleging that an individual running a meme or social media account posted a sexually explicit, obscene, and defamatory comment about her on a public platform.

Reacting to the incident, filmmaker Hemanth Madhukar strongly condemned the abuse and called for strict action against online harassment. “Actresses are increasingly being forced to fight against online abuse. The language being used is disturbing, derogatory, and clearly amounts to mental harassment,” he said. “Such content not only attacks a woman’s dignity but also causes severe emotional distress and public humiliation.”

Hemanth Madhukar emphasized that Eesha Rebba’s case is not an isolated incident. He pointed out that earlier, actress Anasuya Bharadwaj had filed a complaint against 42 individuals, including film producers, journalists, television channels, and social media influencers. Anasuya accused them of online abuse, criminal intimidation, defamation, and circulating morphed and AI-generated sexually explicit content. She had revealed that her images and videos were manipulated using artificial intelligence and circulated across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and X without her consent.

“This misuse of artificial intelligence has only added to the woes of actresses and must be dealt with strictly, without any leniency,” Hemanth asserted. He also recalled actress Anupama Parameswaran’s complaint, where she disclosed that she and her family were targeted in a malicious online campaign. “An Instagram account circulated false and extremely inappropriate content about her, even tagging her friends and co-actors. Some people on social media are clearly crossing all limits, attempting to destroy the hard-earned reputation of actresses,” he added.

The growing toxicity on social media has also prompted some stars to distance themselves from online platforms. Actress Anushka Shetty had earlier announced a brief hiatus from social media, explaining her decision as a step toward mental well-being. “Trading blue light for candlelight… stepping away from social media for a bit to reconnect with the world beyond scrolling,” she wrote in a note that resonated with many.

Summing up the issue, Hemanth Madhukar stated, “Actors are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with constant negativity and relentless trolling. Social media, which once felt empowering, is slowly turning toxic and harmful, forcing many artists to step away for the sake of their mental health.”