On Friday, Kannada actress Samyukhtha Hegde had alleged that when she and her friends were hula-hooping at Agara Lake, Bengaluru, they were abused and ridiculed by Kavitha Reddy for wearing sportswear. Several bystanders joined in to accuse the women of doing drugs. Samyukhta shared video proof on social media and also filed an FIR at the HSR Layout Police station.
Yesterday, Kavitha Reddy apologized for the incident saying, “I have always opposed moral policing. I realize that my actions were construed as such. An argument ended up in me reacting aggressively as well, it was a mistake. As a responsible citizen n progressive woman, I own up to and sincerely apologize to Samyuktha Hegde and her friends!”
I have always opposed Moral Policing. I realize that my actions were construed as such. An argument ended up in me reacting aggressively as well, it was a mistake. As a responsible citizen n progressive woman, I own up to n sincerely apologise to @SamyukthaHegde n her Friends! pic.twitter.com/pM9UJkWESC
— Kavitha Reddy (KR) Jai Bhim! (@KavithaReddy16) September 6, 2020
She can be heard saying,
“I have stated my version of events and expressed regrets. And even though I did not physically hit or assault Samyukta’s friend, I still owe an unconditional apology for losing my temper irrespective of whatever the provocation was. Moral policing is something I have always opposed and it is unthinkable that I would make such regressive comments. With a lot of public around, there were a lot of heated arguments and commotion as well as out of context recordings the ugly incident should not have happened nor should be seen as political or moral policing.”
She also shared a letter saying, “I hope that we can put this incident behind us and work towards a safer and better future for women.”
Have issued a letter as agreed with @SamyukthaHegde , I hope that we can put this incident behind us and work towards a safer and better future for women. pic.twitter.com/RQ8v0uvqZY
— Kavitha Reddy (KR) Jai Bhim! (@KavithaReddy16) September 6, 2020
According to India Today, she had earlier called it a cheap publicity stunt by the actress, said that the guards did their job when they locked the park, and added that ordinary people were the real victims of the “smear campaign” while detailing her version of the events, which has now been deleted.
Do you think this incident will impede people from moral policing in the future?