Konda Surekha retracts her statement on Samantha Ruth Prabhu-Naga Chaitanya's divorce | Watch what Telangana minister had said that stoked controversy

Telangana minister Konda Surekha has retracted her controversial statement on Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya's divorce. The politician received flak from the film industry and politicians alike when she alleged that Bharat Raksha Samithi (BRS) leader KT Rama Rao (KTR) was behind the actor couple’s divorce.

Surekha posted in Telugu on X: “My intention was only to point out how a leader is belittling towards woman but not to hurt your sentiments, Samantha. The way you have grown exponentially by yourself is something I admire and aspire to. If you or your fans have been hurt by my words, I unconditionally retract them. Please do not take it otherwise.”

What did she say?

Speaking to media, Surekha alleged that KTR was the reason behind the divorce of then couple Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

Alleging that KTR spoiled the lives of several heroines in the Telugu film industry, she said, "KTR, a drug addict, used to host rave parties for film celebrities. Unable to face his atrocities, many heroines cut short their film careers, got married, and settled."

“KTR asked to send Samantha in return for not demolishing the N-convention center. Nagarjuna forced Samantha to go to KTR. Samantha said no. That led to divorce," said Konda Surekha.

She added, “KTR is the reason behind Samantha-Naga Chaitanya's divorce. Many heroines got married early because of him. He got addicted to drugs and went to rave parties. Blackmailed and troubled many."

How Samanta Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya reacted?

Samantha Ruth Prabhu took to her Instagram story and wrote:

“Konda Surekha Garu, I am proud of what this journey turned me into please don't trivialise it. I hope you realise that your words carry significant weight as a minister. I implore you to be responsible and respectful of individuals' privacy. My divorce is a personal matter, and I request that you refrain from speculating about it. Our choice to keep things private doesn't invite misrepresentation.”

“To clarify: my divorce was mutual consent and amicable, with no political conspiracy involved. Could you please keep my name out of political battles? I have always remained non-political and wish to continue doing so.” 

Naga Chaitanya wrote on X:

“Today, the claim made by Minister Konda surekha garu is not only false, it is absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable. Women deserve to be supported and respected. Taking advantage and exploiting the personal life decisions of celebrities for the sake of media headlines is shameful.”

Naga Chaitanya's father, veteran Tollywood actor Nagarjuna, wrote on X:

“I strongly condemn the comments of the Minister, Konda Surekha. Don't use the lives of movie stars who stay away from politics to criticise your opponents. Please respect other people's privacy. As a woman in a responsible position, your comments and accusations against our family are completely irrelevant and false. I request you to withdraw your comments immediately.”