Kenishaa Francis, a singer, musician, and spiritual therapist, has found herself at the center of a storm of online abuse and death threats amidst the ongoing divorce proceedings between Tamil actor Ravi Mohan, also known as Jayam Ravi, and his estranged wife, Aarti Ravi. The controversy erupted following rumors linking Francis to Mohan, which intensified after the actor's separation announcement in 2024.
Francis has been vocal about the barrage of hateful messages and threats she has received, sharing screenshots on her Instagram stories. These messages, often filled with abusive language and personal attacks, accuse her of being a "home-wrecker" and blame her for the breakdown of Mohan's 15-year marriage to Aarti. Some messages even included disturbing threats to her safety.
In response to the vitriol, Francis has firmly defended herself, stating that she has "nothing to hide." She challenged her accusers to confront her directly or take legal action if they believe she played a role in the divorce. "I'm not turning off my comments or running away," she wrote on Instagram. "You have the right to question my actions, but please come do it to my face... Please take me to court if you're confident I'm even a catalyst in this. I beg you—take me to court!"
Francis also addressed the accusations of being a "third person" in Mohan's marriage, emphasizing that she met him only after he had filed for divorce and that their connection was initially professional, with Mohan seeking her out for emotional counseling during his marital difficulties. She has denied any romantic involvement, stating that their relationship is strictly professional and rooted in therapy. She has also stated that she is ready to be punished by law if she is proven wrong and until then she should be allowed to breathe without hatred.
Mohan has also publicly defended Francis, acknowledging her achievements in both the artistic and healing arenas. He confirmed that they had been discussing plans to launch a wellness and healing center together and urged fans and the media not to tarnish her reputation, emphasizing their shared vision for mental health advocacy and professional collaboration. He described Francis as a source of emotional strength during a tough phase in his life, calling her his "lifeline." He noted that she stood by him when he left his home feeling broken and stripped of dignity.
The divorce battle between Mohan and Aarti has been playing out publicly, with both parties making accusations against each other. Aarti has accused Francis of being the "third person" in their marriage, alleging that she has proof of Francis's involvement even before the divorce papers were filed. She has also claimed that Mohan abandoned his responsibilities and his two sons. On the other hand, Mohan has accused Aarti of "physical, mental, emotional and severe financial abuse" and alleged that she restricted him from meeting his own family. Aarti has also filed a counter-petition seeking alimony of ₹40 lakh per month.
The situation has drawn considerable media attention, with speculation about the nature of Mohan and Francis's relationship and the reasons behind the divorce. Despite both parties denying romantic ties, a recent public appearance of the two together reignited rumors about a deeper relationship. The case continues to unfold, with the next court hearing scheduled for June 12.