Praneeth Hanumanthu row sparks debate on social media abuse against women and children
HYDERABAD: The controversy surrounding YouTuber Praneeth Hanumanthu has triggered a broader discussion about double standards and social media abuse against women in the Telugu film industry. Hanumanthu has faced severe backlash for his ‘pedophilic’ comments on a father-daughter relationship video, leading to an FIR being filed against him.
This is not the first time on social media for this type of pedophilic content. In twitter a user named Siddhu Siddhartha Roy posted a disgusted text with photos of Actor Mahesh Babu with his daughter Sithara. In the name of “Dark Humour”, they have been producing this type of abusive content.
Actor Kiran Abbavaram has been facing lot of abuse regarding his appeal from all the social media handles in the name of constructive criticism. In the name of free speech, lot of people are using their social media handles to increase their viewership.
Hanumanthu’s apology video, in which he claimed his content was misinterpreted, failed to pacify critics. Instead, it intensified the backlash. “I’m begging you. Please keep my parents out of this. Don’t drag them into this. I will take full responsibility and accept the consequences,” he pleaded in his video.
The incident has exposed the selective outrage in the Telugu film industry and on social media platforms. While many male actors from the industry have condemned Hanumanthu, numerous internet users on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the daily misogyny, rape content, and abuse that is normalized under the guise of ‘jokes,’ ‘freedom of speech,’ and ‘Gen Z content.’
Broader issue of social media abuse
Users on X pointed out that while Hanumanthu faces accountability, many Twitter handles regularly pass vile comments on women and teenage girls without any repercussions. Films like “Jalsa” and those by Kiran Abbavaram, which contain misogynistic content, were criticized. Comedy shows like “Jabardast” and “Sridevi Drama Company” were also called out, along with the trend of casting much younger actresses opposite older male stars. One user remarked, “The entire Telugu film industry is pedophilic and nobody talks about that.”
You thought that was the only thing ?
This is from unedited live
Disgusting references and filthy comments for dad-daughter relationship pic.twitter.com/S680e6xY0A— Maximus Decimus Meridius 🐯 (@PsychoSainik) July 6, 2024
Actor Sudheer Babu’s tweet condemning Hanumanthu and expressing disgust over his casting in “Harom Hara” received backlash. Critics pointed out that the industry often tolerates known molesters and fails to address its internal issues. The outcry against Hanumanthu is viewed by some as hypocritical, given the daily abuse women face online, often from fan groups and political factions. One commenter noted, “If we are into cancel culture, keep it consistent for everything that’s wrong, not just selective instances.”
While condemning Hanumanthu’s comments is necessary, the broader issue of systemic misogyny and abuse in the Telugu film industry and social media remains largely unaddressed. As one user aptly put it, “Somewhere between selective outrage and whataboutery, the real issue is always lost.”
The ongoing debate highlights the need for consistent accountability and a serious discussion about the treatment of women in both the entertainment industry and online spaces.
