Did Raghava Lawrence compare people to stray dogs? Actor says he's ‘not heartless’ after massive backlash

Raghava Lawrence ran into controversy after his statement in support of Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam received massive backlash for this.

Recently, dancer-turned-actor Raghava Lawrence spoke to the press about his political entry and in support of Tamil Nadu chief minister-actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. However, as clips from the press meet circulated, he began receiving flak for supposedly comparing people to stray dogs. After the backlash, Lawrence took to his social media to clarify his statement.

What did Raghava Lawrence say?

Raghava Lawrence recently announced his entry into politics after a long career in films.

Lawrence spoke to the press about the video he recently made to announce his political entry. He also spoke about the current TN government formed by Vijay and said, “If you ask me how this government has functioned in a month, I would say it has done well. It looks superb. We move into a new house after visiting it once or twice. However, it is only when we begin living there that we gradually discover there are issues with the pipes or fans,” he said.

Continuing his analogy, he added, “Even a stray dog in the neighbourhood will bark at us. We may have to offer it biscuits or even biryani so that it becomes familiar with us. If that is the case with a house and a dog, imagine being given a state to govern. Give them some time. Think positively. You wanted change, and now change is here. I feel things will improve if they are given time.”

Why is he receiving backlash?

“Is he mentioned this way or our understanding is incorrect which is true if he truly said people are dogs that relate is very bad he should apology to people for sure, even for eg he shouldn’t used such words rather he could have taken better example, so sad,” wrote another. “If this quote is accurate, @offl_Lawrence has given the fastest crash course on power arrogance. Questioning the government is not barking. It is democracy,” wrote one X user.

Raghava Lawrence’s clarification

However, Lawrence soon took to X and Instagram to post a video of the full statement he had made and clarify his analogy. “Hi everyone, I would like to clarify a misunderstanding regarding my recent press meeting. I have always said that my fans and the people are equal to my mother. Some are spreading false news that I referred to people as dogs, which is completely untrue and misleading,” he said.

“All I meant was that when we move into a new house, it takes time to understand the surroundings and even the dogs in the area, their habits, and what they like to eat. I’m not such a heartless person as to call people dogs, whom I respect deeply and regard as equal to my mother,” added the actor-dancer, writing, “I was only talking about understanding a new environment takes time to get used to and did not refer to people anywhere. I request everyone to watch the full video and understand what I actually meant.”

“Thank you for your understanding and support (folded hands emojis) #serviceisgod,” he summed it up. Lawrence has the horror comedy film Kanchana 4 lined up, which he is also directing and producing. He will also soon debut in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s cinematic universe (LCU) with Benz.