Netizens Outrage As Tamil Nadu CM Lauds Sexual Assault Accused Poet Vairamuthu

MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu unveiled the motto ' Vairamuthu Literature 50' on Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the poet Vairamuthu's literary career. The poet published his first book of poetry in 1972. The poet was named during the Metoo movement by many women, who accused him of sexual assault.

Since 2018, reportedly 17 women have accused Vairamuthu of sexual assault. Looking at the head of Tamil Nadu state celebrating the achievement of the poet enraged many of social media. Vairamuthu had denied the allegations against him in 2018.  Vairamuthu replied, "It had become fashionable to engage in uncivilised act like slander against well known-personalities. In the recent past, I have been constantly humiliated, this (the sexual assault allegation by famous singer) is one of them. I prefer to dismiss anything other than truth. Truth will win."

Vairamuthu Golden Jubilee Outrage:

The Chief Minister tweeted his picture with Vairamuthu and wrote, "Combining novelty and science with Tamil, I have released the golden jubilee emblem of their writing work, Poetry Empire @Vairamuthu , which pours out excellent poems-film songs as a teapot. Let the Kaviperasu rule us with its Tamil for over a century!” The poet has also been given Padma Shri in the past along with Padma Bhusband and Sahitya Akademi awards for his literary contributions.

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The debate over separating the art from the artist was sparked again on social media. Many also claimed that the sexual assault allegations are baseless. One user wrote, "While women are still struggling to protest on a day to day basis, the enabling of sexual predators like #Vairamuthu, who got recognised with awards by ruling Govt is disappointing. He’s a predator. Those who support him, abet him, enable him are culpable. Remember!"

Here are some more reactions to Vairamuthu's picture with MK Stalin:

"Men(?) who keep supporting #Vairamuthu, that it is Ok to be a sexual predator if the man is a super talented genius, atleast protect your daughters from these super talented predators. Predators are not predators to everyone, they choose their vulnerable prey. Mind it!"

"EWW! HOW will survivors feel safe & bother reporting when the head of the state repeatedly displays his allegiance to and parades a person accused of harassment by 16 women? Esp when they’ve said Vairamuthu threatened to use this very political influence to silence them?"

"Dear @CMOTamilnadu @mkstalin, What guarantees of protection can you give for women in our state if you're going to harbour criminals like #Vairamuthu. The man has been accused of sexual harassment by several women. Madam @KanimozhiDMK, you got nothing to say?"

"THIS IS UTTER SHAMELESS. the kind of impunity this poruki vairamuthu enjoys among TN "progressives" is an affront on social justice & warrants the need for FEMINISM as espoused by the Self-respect Movement."

"Why it is so difficult for a wonderful CM to stay away from a sexual molester? Doesn't he know he is contributing to his power structure and enabling his crimes? Kalaignar ayya would have thrown him in jail if he had known the monsters real face. History is not going to be kind"

"Chumma everytime when Vairamuthu gets accolades u ppl will come & make a noise.. But nobody takes this seriously anymore.. Ppl are fed up hearing baseless allegations.."

In 2021, the poet was named for the OMV Award, social media users including famous celebrities of the South Indian industry had called out the jury of the award. Netizens demanded the jury to reconsider their decision and after some resistance, the jury took the decision to re-examine the awardee.