Rashmika Mandanna Breaks Silence After 8 Years of Harassment, Warns of Legal Action Over Leaked Private Conversation

Actor Rashmika Mandanna has publicly addressed what she describes as years of online harassment and misinformation, issuing a strong warning to media outlets, influencers, and individuals circulating a recently leaked private conversation. In a detailed statement shared on social media, the actor spoke about the emotional toll of sustained attacks and demanded that defamatory content be removed within 24 hours, failing which she will pursue legal action. The controversy comes amid recent developments in her personal life, including her reported February 2026 marriage to fellow actor Vijay Deverakonda. According to reports circulating online, an old private conversation—believed to be from around 2018—was recorded and leaked without consent. Portions of the audio have allegedly been taken out of context and widely shared across social media, fueling fresh controversy and dragging multiple individuals into the situation. Rashmika Mandanna’s Full Statement In her note, Mandanna wrote: “To my dearest people who have been with me through this incredible journey so far. And to others concerned with this matter - It has been 8 years since a sustained campaign of misinformation, harassment, and targeted attacks from a section of the media and individuals online had started against me. I have watched as my words have been taken out of context, as words I never uttered were spun into false narratives, and hate has been amplified for the sake of views, reach, and engagement. All this while, while it pained me and hurt me, I chose patience and silence. I accepted that being in the public eye sometimes comes with unfair criticism, but as long as I remain true to myself and happy, spreading joy around me, things will fall into place. However, what has happened in the last 24 hours crosses a line that can't be ignored. An old private conversation, believed to be from nearly eight years ago, appears to have been recorded and circulated without the knowledge or consent of those involved. A small portion of that conversation has now been deliberately taken out of context and circulated widely to create yet another discomforting controversy — strategically coinciding with recent developments in my personal life. How far can people go? In doing so, they have dragged my family along with people I share cordial relationships with, who have absolutely nothing to do with this matter, into discomfort. This constitutes a serious invasion of privacy and the circulation of misleading and defamatory material.” “While we move forward in life, grow, create meaningful work, and spread positivity, it is unfortunate that a few continue to manufacture hate and controversy at the cost of another person's dignity and peace. For eight years, while the attacks were restricted to me I chose silence. Today, while others are being drawn into this, I cannot stay silent any longer. I choose to draw a boundary. I request all media platforms, influencers, and individuals who are circulating this content or related narratives to remove them immediately. You have 24 hours from the time of this statement to do so. Failing this, starting tomorrow, appropriate legal action will be initiated — including the issuance of legal notices to individuals, influencers, digital platforms, or media organizations involved in the continued circulation of defamatory or privacy-violating content, in accordance with applicable law. This step is not taken lightly, but it has become necessary.” The leak reportedly involves an old audio clip connected to Mandanna’s past relationship with actor Rakshit Shetty. According to online discussions, the recording allegedly features a private conversation involving Mandanna’s mother, with claims of harassment being discussed. However, the actor asserts that the conversation has been selectively edited and circulated without context. Mandanna emphasized that the leak has not only targeted her but has also brought unnecessary attention and distress to family members and individuals who have no direct involvement in the matter. After years of remaining silent despite criticism and rumors, Mandanna’s latest statement marks a decisive shift in her approach. By giving a 24-hour deadline for the removal of the controversial material, the actor has made it clear that she intends to protect her privacy and dignity through legal means if necessary. Her message underscores the growing concern among public figures about privacy violations, misinformation, and the amplification of controversies for online engagement. As the deadline approaches, it remains to be seen how media platforms and individuals circulating the content will respond to Mandanna’s demand.