Kangana's Twitter account was permanently suspended by the micro-blogging site on 4 May. Since then, fashion designers have announced that they will be distancing themselves from Kangana, and added that there will be no future collaborations with her.
Textile designer Anand Bhushan released a statement on social media that read, "In view of certain events today, we have taken a decision to remove all collaboration images with Kangana Ranaut from our social media channels. We also pledge never to be associated with her in any capacity in the future. We as a brand do not support hate speech."
Speaking to ETimes, he clarified his stance and said, "My brand and me don't support any hate speech of any kind. Calling for Gujarat Riots of 2002 to happen again on Twitter by her was the lowest of the low. I do not wish to be associated with this viewpoint at all and totally condemn it."
Before her account was suspended, Kangana had called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back his avatar from the 'early 2000s', in a tweet. A Twitter spokesperson said that Kangana's account has been suspended for 'repeated violations of Twitter Rules specifically the Hateful Conduct policy and Abusive Behaviour policy'.
Designer Rimzim Dadu also removed all collaboration posts with Kangana and wrote, "Never too late to do the right thing! We are removing all posts of past collaborations with Kangana Ranaut from our social channels and pledge to not engage in any further association with her."
Speaking to a publication, Rimzim highlighted the need for the country to heal as a whole especially after the second COVID wave. Referring to her decision to distance the brand from Kangana, she reasoned, "I just didn't feel it right that anybody, including celebrities, should remotely insinuate violence. Violence in ant shape and form and against anybody should be condemned. Our decision to disassociate with Kangana Ranaut from any past or future collaboration is our way of saying that there shouldn't be any space for hate-mongering and violence in our country."
Actor Swara Bhaskar applauded both the designers on their decision and wrote, "Pleasantly surprised to see this! Kudos to you @AnandBhushan & #RimzimDadu for calling out hate speech and incitement to genocide in a direct manner! Stand tall you guys!"
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