Hyderabad: WTOJAC calls for ending victim blaming, demeaning women in television debates

Hyderabad: Women and Transgender Organisations Joint Action Committee (WTOJAC) has called for an end to victim-blaming, demeaning women, and spreading hate and intolerance on television and YouTube channels.

In a statement, the committee condemned the recent incidents against Tollywood actresses.

The committee said that it found that television and YouTube channels were promoting toxic content against women under the guise of debate for TRPs.

Incidents and controversy

The controversy began in December when actresses Nidhi Agarwal and Samantha were reportedly heckled by crowds during public film promotions. Following these events, a Telugu actor sparked a heated debate by suggesting that women’s clothing choices were a primary cause of such incidents.

Actress Anasyua and singer Chinmayi spoke against these patriarchal views and have been subject to bitter trolling and online abuse. The committee stated this behaviour, where the women were being targeted, and the molesters are free to pass.

The committee has stated that in this type of incidents there is a remarkable shift being noted where the burden of responsibility is shifting from the perpetrator to the victim.

Instead, the focus should be on why men choose to behave this way and why they feel they can act with impunity.

Cyberbullying and Media Critique

The committee also highlighted the "online violence" faced by those who speak out. Actress Anasuya and singer Chinmayi have been subjected to vicious trolling. In a particularly disturbing escalation, Anasuya’s private family and holiday photos were circulated online without her consent, which the committee labeled a serious violation of privacy.

Media outlets, including TV and YouTube channels, were also criticized for:

Prioritizing TRPs and profits over the well-being of women.

Creating content that mocks and shames women’s autonomy.

Portraying all Telugu men as lacking self-control, which the committee calls insulting to the community.

A Call for Change

The statement rejects the idea that "culture" should be used as a tool to control women’s behavior. "Respect for women means respecting their autonomy and their right to live without fear," the group stated, adding that for women, dressing is simply about weather, comfort, and confidence.

Demands for Action:

Government: Immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the attacks on the actresses.

Media: An end to demeaning broadcasts under the guise of "debate".

Public: A boycott of toxic content that perpetuates cycles of hate.