Singer Kenishaa Francis, who has been linked to actor Ravi Mohan amidst his divorce from Aarti Ravi, is taking legal action against individuals responsible for the barrage of online abuse she has been subjected to, including rape and death threats. The controversy arose after Aarti Ravi indirectly accused Kenishaa of being the "third person" responsible for the breakdown of her 15-year marriage to Ravi Mohan, which led to a torrent of hateful messages directed at the singer.
Kenishaa has been vocal about the abuse, sharing screenshots of threatening and offensive messages on her Instagram account. These messages included personal attacks, body shaming, misogynistic remarks, and even explicit threats of violence. In response, Kenishaa has firmly stated that she will not be silenced or intimidated. She has challenged her accusers to bring their claims to court, asserting that she has nothing to hide and is prepared to defend herself against false allegations.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Kenishaa's legal team issued a public cease-and-desist notice, warning offenders to immediately halt the harassment or face legal consequences. The legal notice emphasizes violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including sections related to sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and defamation. It also cites provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, specifically those addressing violations of privacy and the publication of obscene content online.
Kenishaa's legal team has stated they have gathered substantial evidence, including URLs, usernames, timestamps, screenshots, and metadata, secured using digital hashing and time-stamping protocols. This information will be used in any necessary judicial or investigative proceedings.
The divorce case between Ravi Mohan and Aarti Ravi has been ongoing, with the actor filing for divorce in 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. The proceedings have been further complicated by Aarti's request for substantial monthly maintenance of Rs 40 lakh. The Madras High Court has also intervened, directing both Ravi Mohan and Aarti to refrain from making defamatory statements against each other in public.
Kenishaa's decision to pursue legal action highlights the serious consequences of online harassment and the importance of accountability in the digital age. It also underscores the emotional toll that such abuse can take on individuals, particularly when they are already facing public scrutiny and personal challenges. By taking a firm stand against cyberbullying and defamation, Kenishaa is sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and that victims have the right to seek justice.