New Delhi: A teenaged actress allegation that she was molested occupied top trends on Sunday after she went live on Instagram around midnight alleging she's been molested by a middle aged man, who was in the seat behind her, on board an Air Vistara flight.
While most messages that poured on social media expressed anguish and support for the the actress, some others subjected her to name-calling and trolling on Twitter with tweets saying the 17-year-old should have immediately brought the matter to attention rather than posting it on Instagram once landed.
"While we want Juveniles to be tried as Adults... She doesn't- Complain to Cabin Crew or Ground Staff, Confront offender, Request to change her seat & instead goes LIVE @instagram when molested? (sic)," read a tweet. In another one, a user wrote: "Strange as it may sound, why was hue and cry not made when she was facing the issue. Getting out and posting on Social Media to draw attention seems to be the trend these days. Taking a selfie while crying". "A new way to get attention from media. Click picture of a man's feet and claim molestation," read a tweet. In separate Instagram stories around midnight, The actress had said she could just manage a shot of the man's leg as the lights were dim.
Here's how a section of Twitter reacted to the actress's allegations. "A new way to get attention from Media. Click picture of a Man's feet and claim molestation," a Twitter user called Jitendra Jumping Jak wrote.
"..reminds me a tale of a shepherd boy who repeatedly tricks people into thinking a wolf is attacking his flock. This 17 years old Girl & her Mother are doing Publicity stunt. she is exploiting public emotions," tweeted an user called Yaagyavalkya.
"Strange as it may sound, why was hue and cry not made when she was facing the issue. Getting out and posting on Social Media to draw attention seems to be the trend these days. Taking a selfie while crying," wrote Manoj Nair on Twitter.
"Rather than making videos, I think a girl should slap those people who misbehaves and molest. If you can't help yourself, nobody will help you... I can feel your pain but you should have slapped that person. Expectations are high from you," said Shivangi Thakur.
Tweets in defence of the young actress also poured in Sunday morning: "She's a little girl who needs support.. if you cannot stand up for this then please don't say anything at all," wrote a netizen.
"Extremely shocking what happened.. but what really shocked me is the reaction to this!!!! she is a little girl who needs support.. if you cannot stand up for this then please dont say anything at all," said Rozina.
"Yes, name-call for speaking out about being molested on the flight, because victim-shaming is what we are best at," tweeted Mihir Bijur.
"Sometime i get down or sentimental but then I see stories like (this), she is just 17 and people labeled her attention seeker, failed actress, jihadi, hoe, RAW agent. Stay Strong Girl, this world is big mess. God Bless You," write an user called @FeIine_.
While most users tweeted supporting the actress, some took to name-calling.
