South Indian actor Nivetha Pethuraj, who has appeared in several Telugu and Tamil movies, criticised "false news about money being lavishly spent" on her and asked journalists to first "verify the information before spoiling a family’s reputation".
The 31-year-old actor's remarks came after YouTuber Savuku Shankar alleged that Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Tamil Nadu Sports Minister and Chief Minister MK Stalin's son, bought his "crazy fan" Pethuraj an expensive property in Dubai.
“He bought her a 2,000 sqft house worth Rs 50 crore where the Lulu Mall owner resides as she was very possessive about him," Shankar said.
He also claimed that Pethuraj would visit Tamil Nadu twice to meet the DMK leader.
In response to the allegations, the actor said in a lengthy post on X that she and her family have been "under extreme stress since few days" as a result of the rumours.
"Lately there has been false news circulating about money being lavishly spent on me. I kept quiet because I thought people who are speaking about this will have some humanity to verify the information they receive before mindlessly spoiling a girl’s life."
"My family and I have been under extreme stress since few days. Please think before spreading such false news."
"I have been financially independent and stable since the age 16. My family still resides in Dubai. We’ve been in Dubai for over 20 years."
"I lead a very simple life. After facing a lot of struggles in life I’m finally in a good place mentally and emotionally. I want to continue leading a dignified and peaceful life. Just like any other woman in your family would want."
The actor also said that she is not taking up the matter legally "because I still believe there’s some humanity left in journalism, that they won’t continue to defame me like this".
"I request journalists to verify the information you receive before spoiling a family’s reputation and not put our family through any more traumas."
