Chennai, Sept 16:
Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman has condemned the criticism and alleged personal attacks against actor Vijay Sethupathi by supporters of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), following remarks made by the actor during the ongoing Bigg Boss Tamil season.
Vijay Sethupathi, who is hosting Bigg Boss Tamil 10, recently spoke about leadership, responsibility and promises while interacting with contestants. His remarks were interpreted by some viewers and TVK supporters on social media as an indirect reference to Chief Minister and TVK leader Vijay. However, the comments were made in the context of an interaction involving the reality-show contestants.
Seeman said it was wrong to interpret Vijay Sethupathi’s general observations as criticism of the Chief Minister and subsequently subject the actor to abuse and personal attacks. He urged those involved to immediately stop such criticism.
He said people should have the freedom to express views different from those of their political supporters and that disagreements should be answered through arguments rather than abuse or intimidation. “Thinking that others should speak only what one likes is not democracy,” Seeman said, stressing the need to respect freedom of expression.
The controversy has also prompted the television channel to clarify that the programme should be viewed within the context of its format and themes, adding that interpretations beyond the show’s content were neither intended nor endorsed by the programme’s creators.