Not heartless to call people as dogs: Actor Lawrence clarifies analogy after flak

Actor-director Raghava Lawrence issued a clarification on Sunday after he seemingly compared people to dogs at a latest press conference, which drew criticism online. Lawrence, who has been in the news since hinting at a political entry, came under fire for the comparison and later clarified that his remarks were about Vijay-led TVK adjusting to a new job and environment and not about people.

In his post on X, he said his remarks had been misunderstood and asked people to watch the full video before criticising him. "I have always said that my fans and the people are equal to my mother. Some are spreading false news that I referred to people as dogs, which is completely untrue and misleading," he posted.

Addressing the media and his fans in front of his Raghavendra shrine on Sunday, Lawrence spoke about the ruling CM Vijay-led TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) government and said he was impressed by its governance, while also acknowledging that some issues continued as the party was new to administration.

What Lawrence said at the press meet

During the interaction, Lawrence was asked about the performance of the ruling TVK government. In response, he said he was impressed by the way it was governed. He also agreed that some issues persisted as the party was still new to governance.

While explaining his point, Lawrence used an analogy involving a stray dog. He said, "We move into a new house after visiting the place once or twice. But, only when we start living in it, do we slowly discover one problem after another. Even a stray dog in the area will bark at us. We have to buy either biscuits or sometimes even biriyani to ensure the dog gets familiar with us. It's the case with a house and a dog. You've given him a state, give them some time. Think positively. You wanted change, change is now here. I feel if you give them time, it'll be good."

Here's the video:

The remark triggered criticism on social media, with many accusing the actor of comparing common people to stray dogs barking at the government.

Raghava Lawrence's clarification

Later on Sunday night, Lawrence posted a clarification on X. He wrote, "I would like to clarify a misunderstanding regarding my recent press meeting."

Explaining what he meant, he added, "All I meant was that when we move into a new house, it takes time to understand the surroundings and even the dogs in the area, their habits, and what they like to eat. I'm not such a heartless person as to call people dogs, whom I respect deeply and regard as equal to my mother."

He also urged the public to watch the full video before reacting. "I was only talking about understanding a new environment takes time to get used to and did not refer to people anywhere. I request everyone to watch the full video and understand what I actually meant," he said.

Lawrence keeps audience guessing about politics

Over the past few days, Lawrence has been in the news about his potential political entry. After confirming that circumstances have led him to enter politics, he then left the decision to the people in an X post, urging them to say yes or no.

The filmmaker did not name the political party he plans to join and said he would share that information soon. Speculation, however, continues that he may join his friend Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and contest from the Trichy East constituency, which was won by Vijay in the recent Assembly elections.

Vijay had contested in Perambur as well as Trichy East, but resigned from the latter in the days leading up to his oath-taking ceremony, as per rules.

On the work front

Professionally, Lawrence is currently working on Benz, an action film directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan. He also has Kanchana 4, the fifth instalment in the Kanchana horror film series, in which he is starring, producing and directing from his own screenplay.