Celebrity life in the digital age is a double-edged sword, where every personal decision is magnified under the scrutiny of the public eye. In such a world, even the simplest of setbacks often trigger intense speculation and public backlash. Naga Chaitanya, who announced his separation from actress Samantha in 2021 after almost four years of marriage, recently opened up about the criticism he faced and the relentless media attention surrounding the split.
Speaking on the Raw Talks with VK podcast hosted by Vamshi Kurapati, Naga Chaitanya reflected on the aftermath of his separation announcement, where the couple had stated that they were parting ways for personal reasons and requested privacy. Despite this, the separation became a topic of widespread discussion, with the media and social media users fueling endless rumours and gossip.
“When we announced our separation, we put out a post saying we had our own reasons, and we were moving on. What other explanation is actually required?” Chaitanya said. He expressed disappointment that his request for privacy was disregarded and turned into “headlines, talking points, gossip, and basically, entertainment.”
The actor further explained that any comments or statements he made regarding the separation would only lead to further speculation. “That video byte would give rise to more articles, more gossip, etc. Even now, years after we went our separate ways, there would be interviews where someone would try to provoke an answer out of me,” he shared. Despite repeatedly explaining his position, the questions continue to arise, prompting him to wonder how he could ever “put a full stop to something that I haven’t written.”
Addressing his critics, Naga Chaitanya urged people to focus on positivity and their own lives. “Spread positivity instead. See, I have come out of the marriage, gained strength, found love again, and moved on. Also, whatever happened in my life isn’t something that hasn’t happened in anyone else’s life. So, why am I treated like a criminal?” he said.
Chaitanya, who hails from a family where divorce is a sensitive subject—his parents, actor Nagarjuna and Lakshmi Daggubati, separated when he was young—acknowledged the emotional toll of a breakup. “I come from a broken family. I know that experience. Breaking the marriage was a mutual decision, and we went our own ways. Of course, I feel bad that it happened, but everything happens for a reason,” he explained.