Singer Shweta Mohan faces backlash for 'tone-deaf' post supporting AR Rahman

AR Rahman held a concert titled Marakuma Nenjam in Chennai's Paniyur in partnership with ACTC Events on Sunday. Reportedly, thousands of people attended the show and criticised the music composer and the event organiser for mismanagement of the crowd. Following the fiasco, singer Shweta Mohan came out in support of AR Rahman on X, formerly known as Twitter. She replied to a post wherein a concertgoer claimed that she had been "shivering" ever since someone molested her during the event. Since then, her post has generated buzz and people have accused her of whitewashing the music composer's image after the unfortunate incident. 

2 things you need to know

• The event organisers were slammed for poor management of the crowd.
• After receiving flak online for mismanagement, AR Rahman issued an apology for the incident.

Shweta Mohan attempts to clear AR Rahman's name

Following the incident, a fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and shared an incident that occurred with her during the concert. She wrote, "Woke up to having such a weight in my heart. The unsafe feeling I have today is haunting me. One of the people who groped me, literally looked into my eyes when I just asked him for the way and move. I'm exhausted." The woman also shared a video wherein her hand was shaking after the incident.

Shweta Mohan responded to the incident and wrote, "Unable to ignore this tweet. For an icon who has stood for peace, love and humanity all his life, it is extremely unfortunate that this has happened at his concert where the music has always eased the pain for all attending."

She further added, "Does ARR Sir deserve such perpetrators as fans attending his concert? He deserves better, way better. In every concert, he dedicates a song especially to women as a reminder to every man of the respect he needs to carry for every woman. But Alas! Stay strong, #Singapenne!! We live in a heinous society. My heart goes out to you. Sending you energy to help overcome this and rise again! Unakkaaga Neeye Udippaai Amma." 

Reacting to her post, a social media user wrote, "He did this in Singapore, Malaysia and now he's doing it here! You guys don't stand for people. You clowns. Take accountability and responsibility instead of whitewashing his image." Meanwhile, another comment read, "Highly insensitive and tone-deaf post."

(Shweta Mohan backlashed for supporting AR Rahman after the incident | Image: X)

AR Rahman's response to the incident

Top composer AR Rahman on Monday said he would respond to the grievances of his audience who said they suffered because his September 10 concert held here was "mismanaged", and indicated that the ticket price would be refunded.

Rahman posted his statement on social media platform X after a row broke out over the alleged mismanagement of his concert on Sunday evening that caused inconvenience to many.

The Oscar-winning Rahman held the concert titled 'Marakkuma Nenjam', meaning 'Can the heart forget' on September 10 at a private venue on East Coast Road (ECR).

(With inputs from PTI)