Singer Chinmayi Sripada is known for her outspoken nature and strong views on various contemporary subjects, often landing her in trouble. Recently, her comments about feeling safer with a deceased politician than with the enablers of a molester who molested 18 women sparked widespread criticism.

In response, Chinmayi issued an apology, stating, I sincerely apologise to everyone whose feelings may have been hurt because of my saying that I’d feel safer with a deceased politician than with the enablers of a molester who’s molested at least 18 women as far as I know. No thanks to my misstep - I happened to learn of incidents I was not aware of at all, neither did I know the entire political history and wrongdoings of everyone - of course, that is definitely no badge of honour. I am not hard wired to stand with an aggressor, even if the aggressor is my own mother. Once again, I apologise.

She further expressed her views, stating, A CM is supposed to be MY CM too, my elected representative too - and the representative of the people of TN as a whole. Everything he does - he does on behalf of the people of Tamilnadu. If he platforms a molester, it is on behalf of the people of Tamilnadu. I will always and forever believe that many here are enablers by design that remain silent when their favourite actors and politicians in this country stand on the same platform as a serial sex offender. It is nobody’s place to tell me how to feel and how to be angry when I am the abused. Tamilnadu’s molester poet is not the pitiable victim even if many Tamils want to portray him to be so. I dont feel safe amongst the enablers of TN. Amongst a political class, people and the self confessed enablers of a man who molested me and 17 others at least. The body count of this molester is definitely, to paraphrase, Arindhadhu Kaiman Alavu - Ariyaadhadhu UlagaLavu. I have no respect regard or love for a toxic narcissist foul mouthed abusive ‘motherland’ either - that now stands for trauma, sexual abuse and harassment to me - it is like the relationship one has with a violent, abusive, horrible parent. But one sticks on, because ‘duty’, ‘parent’ blah blah, wondering someday that the parent will see light and behave like a parent should. But usually Toxic Narcs are abusive by design and are hardwired to be that way. They don’t change. I have no respect for any of the abusers, many of whom are Tamil political class themselves or their progeny / relatives / employees / IT Wing. This is my lived reality. The cord is cut. Fin.

Chinmayi's statements reflect her deep-seated convictions and the complex emotions she harbors towards certain individuals and institutions. While her words may be controversial, they highlight important societal issues that deserve attention and discussion.

I sincerely apologise to everyone whose feelings may have been hurt because of my saying that I’d feel safer with a deceased politician than with the enablers of a molester who’s molested at least 18 women as far as I know.

No thanks to my misstep - I happened to learn of…

— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) February 21, 2024