Breaking the Silence
On August 4, 2025, television actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee announced that she will be pursuing legal action against social media trolls who harassed her 7-month-old son, Joy, over his skin tone. Known for her role as Gopi Bahu in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Devoleena had previously chosen silence in the face of trolling about her professional life, personal choices, and even her marriage. But when the hateful remarks crossed the boundary into targeting her infant child, she felt compelled to act.
What Triggered the Response?
In late July, Devoleena shared heartfelt images of Joy marking his seven-month milestone. Alongside the celebration came a wave of hurtful and racially tinged remarks about her son’s complexion. Some trolls even made derogatory references to his religion and parentage.
Refusing to remain silent any longer, Devoleena not only rebuked these trolls publicly but also exposed their Instagram profiles on her Stories. In one instance, she sarcastically called out a self-described engineer from Delhi, criticizing how someone educated could still harbor such narrow thinking. In another, she cautioned that a troll who was herself a mother ought to reflect on the message she sends to her own child.
From Social Reposts to Legal Action
Devoleena didn’t stop at a textual response. She posted screenshots of the hateful comments and initiated a cyber-crime complaint. According to statements from Devoleena, more than 8,900 comments came in response to her post—of which she estimates around 2,000 were malicious or negative.
In her message, she said this fight is not just about protecting her son, but a broader battle against racism. She emphasized that no parent or child should ever have to endure such vitriol and called on society to take every opportunity to stand up against prejudice.
Why This Matters
- Colorism and social prejudice: The episode underscores the cruel reality that bias based on complexion continues to flourish online—even against infants. Devoleena’s choice to confront this criticism head-on reflects how serious and pervasive this issue remains.
- The power of legal recourse: While many celebrities ignore trolls as a cost of fame, Devoleena’s move to involve cyber-crime authorities sends a strong message: trolling has consequences, especially when directed at children.
- Backing for other parents: She explicitly urged mothers to become “strong shields” for their children and to document and confront abuse. This aligns with a growing movement that encourages victims to not simply endure harassment but to act.
An Emotional Underpinning
Devoleena’s own reflections on motherhood add emotional resonance. In an earlier Instagram post, she described Joy as “my heart outside my body,” recounting sleepless snuggles, tiny fingers wrapped around hers, and the magical chaos he’s brought into her life. It’s this bond—and her instinct to protect it—that fueled her refusal to stay silent.
Public Reactions and Support
Media outlets and fans alike have rallied behind her. Coverage praised her as a bold advocate of anti-racism, applauding her willingness to challenge not just trolls but the cultural stigmas they uphold. Well-wishers flooded in with positive messages, contrasting the trolls and reminding her that love far outnumbers hate.
What Happens Next?
Devoleena is working with cyber-crime officials to trace offending accounts, many of which have been deactivated. Still, she is determined that every individual behind the hateful posts will be tracked down and held accountable.
Looking ahead, this case may provide important precedent: if lawmakers and law enforcement treat skin-tone trolling toward children as a serious violation, it could deter others. It also offers a public example of how victims can respond—by documenting evidence, involving authorities, and refusing to normalize hate.
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