At a time when even the Leo lead star Vijay has not spoken in support of his co-actor Trisha, let alone any male lead from the Tamil film fraternity, Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi Konidela who is a former member of the Rajya Sabha Parliament, has come out in support of the actress. Taking to X on Tuesday, the Tollywood star actor posted,

My attention was drawn to some reprehensible comments made by actor Mansoor Ali Khan about Trisha. The comments are distasteful and disgusting not just for an Artiste but for any woman or girl. These comments must be condemned in the strongest words. They reek of perversion. I stand with @trishtrashers (Trisha's X handle id) and every woman who has to be subject to such horrid comments.

 

Trisha's last release was the Tamil action thriller Leo written and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Kollywood actor Mansoor Ali Khan also had a pivotal role to play in the film. Recently, Mansoor Ali Khan raked up a storm //TW// with highly insensitive rape remarks while talking about Trisha (completely unprompted). and working on the movie. Names of former actors turned politicians Khusbu Sundar and Roja Selvamani were also dragged by him in a derogatory manner.

Thank you Chiru Sir❤️🤗 https://t.co/xKCRAkWoH5

— Trish (@trishtrashers) November 21, 2023

Lokesh Kanagaraj was quick to condemn Mansoor's comments, and Trisha vowed not to ever share screen space with Khan again. A WhatsApp statement shared by Mansoor Ali Khan post the backlash said that his comment was "made in jest" and that Trisha was "complimented" at the press meet where he made those remarks. Mansoor Ali Khan has also doubled down as a rape-apologist in a press meet held Tuesday [November 21, 2023], and excerpts of his highly problematic press statements in English here.

It’s tough when realisation doesn’t happen. One should know how to be responsible while addressing in public.

— Gayathri Raguramm 🇮🇳 (@Gayatri_Raguram) November 21, 2023

As a member of NCW, I have already taken up the issue of Mansoor Ali khan with my senior and will be taking an action on it. Nobody can get away with such a filthy mind. I stand with @trishtrashers and my other colleagues where this man speaks in such a sexist disgusting mindset…

— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) November 19, 2023

Whenever men speak against women, strong legal and police action should take place. Whether it’s @JaiTDP MLA who attacked me. Or Mansoor Ali Khan who again has spoken about @trishtrashers, @khushsundar and Me. Unless strong legal actions take place, these men will never fear…

— Roja Selvamani (@RojaSelvamaniRK) November 19, 2023

The National Commission for Women taking suo motu in this matter, directed the DGP to invoke IPC Section 509 B and other relevant laws. They cited that Mansoor Ali Khan's tone-deaf remarks normalizes violence against women. The South Indian Aritstes Association, which is a body that represents all actors of the Tamil film industry in a statement post the controversy said,

"Because of this abominable act, until Mansoor Ali Khan realizes, regrets his mistake and makes a true public apology, the South Indian Artistes Association (Nadigar Sangam) considers why he shouldn't be temporarily banned, an opinion. In lieu of this incident, we also ask other actors to exercise caution while sharing opinions at public events in the future."