Pearle Maaney clarifies Sibi Malayil remark and CJP post, faces fresh backlash
Published: July 28, 2026 12:45 PM IST
Updated: July 29, 2026 03:34 PM IST
Television presenter and influencer Pearle Maaney, who came under intense criticism for her remarks on the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests and her subsequent social media posts, has now addressed the controversy in a video shared on her YouTube channel.
The backlash against Pearle escalated after she responded to a post by Joe Malayil, son of veteran filmmaker Sibi Malayil, who had criticised her comments on the CJP protests. Hitting back, Pearle wrote that ‘a failed filmmaker’ had turned her ‘four-page post into a 10-page script.’ The remark sparked widespread speculation that she was referring to Sibi Malayil himself, a perception that gained further traction after Joe reacted publicly to the post.
In her clarification, Pearle admitted that she should never have called anyone a ‘failure,’ saying it was wrong and not in keeping with the values she was raised with. However, she maintained that her remark was never directed at veteran filmmaker Sibi Malayil. She also said her original post on the CJP protests had been widely misinterpreted, reiterating that her intention was only to express concern over the violence surrounding the protests and not to undermine the cause itself.
“I never meant that the students should stop protesting and go home. I am nobody to tell them that. I was only expressing my concern for their safety. Every student is someone’s child and someone’s dream. They deserve a transparent and fair education system, equal opportunities, and a safe environment to peacefully express themselves,” she said.
She added that she supports peaceful protests but not violence, and stressed that she is always willing to revisit her opinions if new information emerges. “I see that as growth and responsibility, not weakness,” she said. In the post, she dismissed reports that she had called veteran filmmaker Sibi Malayil a ‘failed filmmaker,’ saying the allegation stemmed from the individual she criticised claiming that she was referring to his father.
“I am a huge admirer of Sibi Malayil sir. Like every Malayali, I have immense respect for his work. I would never say anything disrespectful about him, not even in my dreams. I still don’t understand how his name became part of this controversy,” she said, adding that she was distressed when news channels began reporting that she had insulted the acclaimed director.
“If Sibi Malayil sir is watching this, I just want to say that I love you, sir. I am one of your biggest fans,” she added. Though Onmanorama contacted Sibi Malayil for his statement on Pearle’s comments and apology, he declined to comment.
Meanwhile, Pearle’s clarification video has also drawn criticism online, with many social media users saying the apology appeared ‘rehearsed’ and ‘insincere’. Others mocked the video’s lengthy, explanatory tone, joking that it felt more like sitting through a literature class than watching an apology.