A social media post featuring actor Subhashree Ganguly with football legend Lionel Messi triggered online backlash after chaos at a Kolkata stadium event, prompting her husband and TMC MLA Raj Chakraborty to speak out against targeted trolling and public shaming.
Subhashree Ganguly faces backlash after posting photo with Lionel Messi.
Kolkata: An event held at Yuva Bharati Krirangan Stadium to mark the visit of football icon Lionel Messi turned controversial after large sections of spectators failed to see the star player. The situation escalated when actor Subhashree Ganguly shared a photograph with Messi on social media, describing herself as a representative of the Bengali film industry. Soon after, online criticism and trolling followed, with several users accusing her of insensitivity toward fans who were unable to catch a glimpse of the football legend.
The event witnessed severe crowding on the field area, blocking the view of spectators seated in the galleries. Many fans who had purchased tickets at high prices expressed disappointment and anger over the arrangements. The inability of the audience to see Messi led to widespread frustration, which later spilled over onto social media. Instead of focusing solely on the event planning, criticism increasingly shifted toward public figures who were seen close to the football star.
Responding to the backlash, Trinamool Congress MLA and filmmaker Raj Chakraborty publicly defended his wife. In a detailed message shared online, he questioned why Subhashree was being singled out for attending the event and sharing a personal moment. He argued that enjoying football and admiring Messi does not become invalid simply because someone is an actor. According to him, thousands were disappointed due to mismanagement, and blaming one individual for systemic failure was unfair.
Raj Chakraborty highlighted that Subhashree Ganguly holds many identities beyond her profession. He described her as a mother, wife, friend, and individual, stating that being an actress should not strip her of the right to attend public events or express fandom. He stressed that treating someone differently because of fame creates unhealthy social behavior and reinforces unjust expectations from women in the public eye.
The TMC MLA also raised concerns about the nature of public and media scrutiny. He pointed out that several journalists and other individuals were present on the field during the event, yet the backlash focused disproportionately on Subhashree due to her visibility. He drew a distinction between legitimate protest and personal humiliation, warning that repeated targeting can leave long lasting emotional and social impact, particularly on women.
Actor Ritwik Chakraborty also weighed in on the controversy, criticizing the manner in which access to the field was granted. He observed that genuine fans who deserved the experience were left disappointed, while others managed to get close to the football icon. His remarks shifted attention back to the core issue of crowd control and event planning rather than individual attendance.
Following the public outcry, authorities took action against the primary organizer of the event, who was arrested for alleged mismanagement. The West Bengal Chief Minister ordered a detailed inquiry into the lapses and issued an apology to fans who were unable to see Messi. The administration assured that accountability would be fixed and steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
The episode has reignited discussions around celebrity presence at public events, social media responsibility, and the line between criticism and harassment. While disappointment among fans was genuine, many observers believe the backlash against Subhashree Ganguly revealed deeper issues related to online trolling, gender bias, and misplaced outrage.
