As soon as the TV channels aired the clip of Alencier Lopez's controversial speech, Facebook was flooded with criticism.
Published Sep 15, 2023 | 11:02 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 15, 2023 | 11:02 AM
Malayalam actor Alencier Lopez's (L) misogynist remark at the Kerala State Film Awards function turned into a controversy. (Supplied)
Malayalam film actor Alencier Ley Lopez is in the news, yet again for the wrong reasons, for making a misogynistic remark at the 53rd Kerala State Film Awards 2022 function held by Chalachitra Academy at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, 14 September.
The actor received a Special Jury Award for his performance in the film Appan (2022) from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
In his speech, Alencier Lopez said, “Don’t tempt us by giving away women trophies. In a State with a ‘manly’ Chief Minister, give us a sculpture with (that depicts) man’s strength. I will stop acting when such awards (men’s trophies) are given.”
Alencier Lopez addressing the Kerala State Film Award function. (Supplied)
The sculptures presented to the winners of the Kerala State Film Awards are in the form of a dancing woman.
Further, the Malayalam actor asked Cultural Minister Saji Cheriyan and Gautam Ghose — the head of the jury of the Kerala State Film Awards — to make it “special” for the winners of the Special Jury Award by giving away a golden sculpture.
“Anybody will get the best actor award. But special mention is different,” he pointed out.
Alencier Lopez also opined that the cash award should be increased. “Do not insult us (special jury award winners) by giving ₹25,000. Please increase the reward.”
After this disgraceful and offensive speech from Alencier(especially on the statuette), ideally the govt/jury should withdraw this award given to him, notwithstanding the quality of his performance. The comments show that he doesn’t even repent of his past actions. pic.twitter.com/u4ImhDc7xQ
— S.R.Praveen (@myopiclenses) September 14, 2023
As soon as TV channels started showing the clip of Alencier Lopez’s controversial speech, Facebook was flooded with criticism against the actor.
Many netizens remarked that Alencier Lopez’s off-screen image is similar to that of his Award-winning character — a womaniser — in Appan.
Shruthi Sharanyam, who won the Best Woman Director Award, wrote on Facebook: “The lady in my hand is incredible. She also said that it is a shame that Alencier made such an irresponsible statement, even as the chief minister in his speech said that films that glorify male dominance should not be given priority, and those which empower women have to be supported.”
Actor Hareesh Peradi also criticised Alencier Lopez on social media.
In 2018, Malayalam actress Divya Gopinath alleged that she faced harassment from Alencier Lopez. She also filed a complaint against the actor with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA).
In an interview with a newspaper, Divya sought a public apology from the actor.
Following this, Alencier issued an apology which was published in the newspaper. He said he repented hurting her through his actions and added that he chose to offer an apology through the media as Divya wanted it from him.
He also apologised to all his colleagues who were offended by his behaviour.
