DMK suspends actor Radharavi for making misogynistic remarks against actor Nayanthara

The DMK Monday announced it was suspending well-known actor and senior party leader Radharavi for his alleged misogynistic remarks against popular South Indian actor Nayanthara.

Radharavi's remarks at an event had created a furore, with actors Kamal Haasan and Taapsee Pannu and director Vignesh Shivan hitting out at him. A video purportedly showing Radharavi making the remarks had gone viral.

While Radharavi expressed regret for his remarks, Nayanthara lashed out, alleging he was trying to hog limelight with such "cheap" comments.

In a press statement, which the actress herself acknowledged, Nayanthara thanked DMK president M K Stalin for suspending the actor from the party.

Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam party, said it was the responsibility of the cinema industry to treat women professionals with respect.

The South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA) also condemned Radharavi's statement, saying this was not the first time he was making remarks with "double meaning" at a public event.

It virtually warned Radharavi of 'non-cooperation' in the future if he repeated such utterances.

Stalin said the DMK was a movement that protected women's rights and Radharavi's comments were not acceptable to it.

In a tweet, he uploaded party general secretary K Anbazhagan's statement that Radharavi was being 'suspended' for bringing disrepute to the DMK. The statement was carried in DMK mouthpiece 'Murasoli.'