"I’m not leaving, deal with it" : Mandana Karimi FIRES back at netizens asking her to leave India

Mandana Karimi’s recent Instagram story has stirred up a wave of heated reactions, turning her profile into a battleground of conflicting opinions. What began as a reshared post about global conflict quickly became a trending topic, with thousands weighing in on what she posted and why.

The story in question made a reference to India in a highly charged political context. The post read: “The world is on fire. india bombing Pakistani Kashmir murdering civilians and children moments ago. Israel murdered a family in Khan Yunis just moments ago. America bombed Yemen murdering civilians just yesterday. All of these deaths are a direct response from genocidal powers that learned from each other that you can carry out war crimes with impunity while the world swallows its tongue. Whether it's Zionism, Hindutva fascism or American exceptionalism, imperialism continues to rage on and burn all in its path.”

This content caused a swift and sharp backlash. Many online users accused Karimi of resharing a narrative that paints India in a negative light. The wording, especially the part about India, was labelled by critics as provocative and misleading. Comments began flooding her page, with many demanding an apology and some even calling for action from authorities.

The outrage wasn’t just about the topic itself, it was about who was speaking. Several users targeted her nationality, questioning her place in the country and accusing her of being disrespectful to a nation that has provided her career opportunities. The attacks ranged from personal insults to calls for her deportation.

Faced with the mounting criticism, Karimi responded with a lengthy statement, defending her intent and pushing back against the hate directed at her.

She wrote: "What a storm one story can cause. A simple message about peace, not religion, not politics, sparked an avalanche of hate. From faceless accounts and fake names, telling me to “go back to my country,” questioning my right to speak.

Let me say this loud and clear: I’ve lived in India for 16 years. I’ve worked hard, adapted, contributed, and made this place my home, with love, effort, and respect. And yes, I’ve had the most incredible friends and people here who made me feel like I belong. But then there’s the other side the small-minded, toxic corner that will always see me as an outsider, no matter what I do. Here’s the thing: I’ve always been open, vocal, and woke. But if I choose not to speak about something, not to post about something, that’s also my right. It’s a human right. You don’t get to tell me when to speak, what to say, or how to feel. That’s not how it works. And now, let’s talk facts. I’m proud of India. I’m proud of how far this country has come. I have deep respect for the Indian government for what it’s done to protect its borders, grow its economy, and stand tall on the global stage. This country has given me space, purpose, and pride. And instead of standing together in that spirit, some people just want to tear down, hate, and harass. If you think I’m “nobody,” then why are you even here? Hate takes effort. And energy. You’re not a hater. You’re just a confused fan. So yeah, keep your shade. I’ll keep my peace Much love. Mandana Karimi"

Her statement did not go unnoticed. It sparked a second wave of discussions, some appreciating her right to respond, others doubling down on their criticism. While the original post focused on multiple global conflicts, the reaction largely centred on her comment about India. This highlights how, in today’s hyper-connected world, one sentence can reshape an entire conversation.

The incident also reflects the delicate balance that public figures face when engaging in international political discourse. Their platforms give them reach, but also expose them to intense scrutiny. In Karimi’s case, the reaction reveals how identity, nationality, and free expression continue to intersect and clash within online spaces.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: digital narratives travel fast, and even a single story can ignite debates that reach far beyond the screen. Whether this remains an isolated controversy or leads to broader conversations about speech and belonging, it has already left its mark.