Gouri Kishan rejects YouTuber RS Karthik’s ‘performative’ apology after body-shaming row; says, ‘Do better’

Gouri Kishan has firmly dismissed YouTuber-journalist RS Karthik’s public apology. She called it “performative remorse” that trivialised the incident as a misunderstanding. The controversy, which began at a Chennai press conference on November 6, erupted after Karthik asked Gouri an “irrelevant” question about her weight.

Taking to social media on Monday, Gouri wrote, “An apology without accountability isn’t an apology at all. Especially when it’s brushed off with ‘she misunderstood the question — it was just a fun one,’ or worse — ‘I didn’t body-shame anyone.’ Let me be clear. I won’t accept performative remorse or hollow words. Do better, RS Karthik.”

Her response came shortly after Karthik shared an apology video on YouTube, claiming that his remarks had been “misunderstood” and that he “did not intend to hurt” the actress. However, Gouri’s reaction made it clear that she saw the apology as insincere and dismissive.

The 26-year-old actor, best known for her performances in 96 (2018), Margamkali (2019), Master (2021), and Sridevi Shoban Babu (2023), has received widespread support from across the film industry. Both the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and The South Indian Artistes’ Association (Nadigar Sangam) have publicly stood by her. AMMA president Shwetha Menon also weighed in, stating that Karthik’s apology “did not appear sincere,” echoing Gouri’s sentiments.