Samantha and Naga Chaitanya who fell in love with each other had got hitched in 2017 and since then the couple were considered as one of the power couples. But, last week on Saturday afternoon, the duo sent a shockwave as they announced separation.
Confirming their spilt, Samantha and Chay both issued a joint statement On October 2 - "To all our well wishers. After much deliberation and thought Chay and I have decided to part ways as husband and wife to pursue our own paths. We are fortunate to have a friendship of over a decade that was the very core of our relationship which we believe will always hold a special bond between us. We request our fans, well wishers and the media to support us during this difficult time and give us the privacy we need to move on. Thanking you for your support.”
Fans and their colleagues in the film industry shared their reactions from shock to sadness after the couple confirmed their separation. Post which, Samantha changed her name on social media. After going by 'S' and dropping ‘Akkineni’ for a while, she changed it back to 'Samantha'.
Earlier today (October 8), the ace-actress took to Instagram to share a quote on how actions of men and women are seen through a different lens by society. The quote read, “If matters are constantly morally questionable when done by women, but not even morally questioned when done by men – then we, as a society, fundamentally have no morals. – Farida D.” A few hours later, Samantha shared a note to her fans and well wishers about how she was pained with various rumours being spread.
The note she shared on social media read, "Your emotional investment into a personal crisis has overwhelmed me. Thank you all for showing deep empathy, concern and for defending me against false rumours and stories that are being spread. They say I had affairs, never wanted children, that I am an opportunist and now that I have had abortions."
"A divorce in itself is an extremely painful process. Let alone allowing me the time to heal. This attack on me personally, has been relentless. But I promise you this, I will never allow this or anything else they say, break me."
Here's her post:
— Samantha (@Samanthaprabhu2) October 8, 2021