Damodar Speaks Out on Alleged Bullying, Praises Ratu Sirisirivalu
FIJI NEWS


Politician, former journalist and and popular women’s advocate Ridhi Damodar has broken her silence following public accusations of alleged online bullying, calling the experience “hurtful, disheartening, and dangerous.”
In a written response to the Duavata News, Damodar thanked Ratu Sailosi Sirisirivalu for highlighting the issue of cyberbullying, after he publicly accused Elaine Chandra of attacking his family on social media.
Ms.Riddhi Damodar claims she, too, has been a victim of similar behaviour.
“I am confused and disappointed by the recent actions of Ms. Chandra—a fellow woman leader whom I have respected,” she said.
“I recently congratulated her on earning her honorary doctorate, believing that we shared a genuine commitment to supporting one another as women in leadership.”
Damodar revealed that she and Chandra had once discussed her (Damodar's) autistic daughter.
“That’s why I don’t understand why I am now the subject of public ridicule and personal attacks on her social media platforms, such as Facebook and TikTok,” she said, adding that Chandra had made “unfounded allegations” about her character.
More alarming, Damodar claimed, was Chandra’s “expressed support for individuals who have threatened physical harm against me.”
While she declined to retaliate in kind, Damodar affirmed her commitment to respectful leadership.
“Justice and empowerment cannot just be words we use—they must be values we live by,” she said.
“I continue to advocate for respect, safety, and integrity in all spaces—especially for those who, like my daughter, need our protection and understanding the most.”
She also thanked Ratu Sailosi for his “courage and commitment to doing what is right,” saying his stance against bullying is “an example of leadership we can all learn from.”