Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Smriti Irani Backs Salman Khan Against Online Trolling
Smriti Irani spoke about how people behave online.
She said social media gives many people a chance to share their opinions.
However, she said having an opinion does not give someone permission to be cruel.
She believes public figures should not have to accept humiliation just because they are famous.
People can disagree and criticise without attacking someone personally.
Her comments came after Salman Khan discussed online trolling on Bigg Boss 20.
Khan mentioned comments about celebrities’ looks, age and appearance.
Irani reminded people that online words can hurt someone for a long time.
Smriti Irani said social media freedom carries a responsibility not to hurt, humiliate or dehumanise others.
She argued that public figures should not be expected to accept online abuse as part of their profession.
Irani said users can disagree, debate and criticise without turning comments into personal attacks.
Her remarks followed Salman Khan’s discussion of celebrity trolling during a recent Bigg Boss 20 episode.
Khan had addressed comments targeting celebrities’ appearance, age and looks.
- Who
- Smriti Irani and Salman Khan; Irani discussed online trolling after Khan addressed it.
- What
- Irani argued that social media freedom should not be used to justify cruelty, humiliation or personal attacks.
- When
- Irani’s comments came shortly after Salman Khan discussed trolling during a recent Bigg Boss 20 episode.
- Where
- The comments were shared on social media, while Khan discussed the issue during Bigg Boss 20’s Weekend Ka Vaar episode.
- Why
- Irani wanted users to recognise the responsibility that comes with having a social media platform and to remember the person behind each account.
Free Expression and Criticism
Protection From Online Cruelty
Limits of social media opinions
Free Expression and Criticism
Users should be able to express disagreement, debate issues, criticise public figures and hold them accountable.
Protection From Online Cruelty
Irani said the right to express an opinion cannot become permission to hurt, humiliate or dehumanise people, including public figures.
Abuse as part of public life
Free Expression and Criticism
The discussion acknowledges the view that people in public life are expected to tolerate criticism as part of their profession.
Protection From Online Cruelty
Irani rejected the idea that entering public life means giving up the right to dignity or quietly accepting humiliation.
- Main speaker
- Smriti Irani
- Related celebrity
- Salman Khan
- Television programme
- Bigg Boss 20
- Issue
- Online trolling and abuse
- Irani’s position
- Freedom of expression should be accompanied by responsibility and respect.
- Khan’s discussion
- Trolling directed at celebrities’ appearance, age and looks.
- Irani’s message
- Users can disagree, debate, criticise and question without dehumanising others.