Vijay Deverakonda issues CLARIFICATION on controversy surrounding TRIBAL community remark: 'I express my..'

Vijay Deverakonda has addressed the backlash surrounding a comment he made during the Retro audio launch in Hyderabad on April 26, which led to a police complaint accusing him of making an offensive statement about the tribal community. Clarifying his stand, the actor said he meant no harm and that his words were misunderstood.

On 3rd May 2025, Saturday, Vijay posted a detailed note on X, explaining that the remark in question was never intended to insult or target any group. “It has come to my attention that a remark I made during the Retro audio launch event has caused concern among some members of the public. I wish to sincerely clarify: there was absolutely no intention to hurt or target any community, especially our Scheduled Tribes, who I deeply respect and consider an integral part of our country.”

He said his message during the event focused on unity and collective progress, and questioned the logic behind the accusation. Vijay stressed that his words came from a place of national pride, not division. “In what world would I, while urging us to stand united as a country, deliberately discriminate against any group of Indians all of whom I see as my family, like my brothers,” he added.

Providing more context, Vijay said the word “tribe” he used referred to ancient human societies and wasn’t meant to reference India’s present-day Scheduled Tribes. He pointed out that the term has a global and historical meaning that predates its formal use in India.

He wrote, “The word ‘tribe,’ as I used it, was meant in the historical and dictionary sense – referring to a time centuries ago when human society globally was organized into tribes and clans, often in conflict. It was never a reference to the Scheduled Tribes classification, which was introduced during colonial and post-colonial India and formalized only in the mid-20th century – not even 100 years ago. According to the English dictionary, ‘tribe’ means: ‘A social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect.’”

He closed his statement with an apology to those who were upset and reaffirmed his commitment to spreading positivity. “If any part of my message was misunderstood or hurtful, I express my sincere regret. My only aim was to speak of peace, progress, and togetherness. I remain committed to using my platform to uplift and unify never to divide.”

Here’s a look at his full statement below:

If any part of my message was misunderstood or hurtful, I express my sincere regret. My only aim was to speak of peace, progress, and togetherness

- Vijay Deverakonda

For those who do not know, the While addressing the crowd during the Retro audio launch in Hyderabad, Vijay spoke about the recent Pahalgam terror attack and compared such violent acts to ancient tribal conflicts. His use of the word “tribe” and the context in which it was used upset several members of the public, including tribal communities, who felt the statement was insensitive.

In response, a police complaint was filed against the actor under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by a Hyderabad-based lawyer. Various tribal organizations also criticized his comments and called for a public apology.