Cinema VinesTelevision personality and social media influencer Pearle Maaney found herself at the center of a social media storm after she voiced her thoughts on the nationwide student protests sparked by alleged irregularities in the NEET‑UG examination. Maaney, who has a large following, expressed support for the students’ demand for a transparent and fair education system while urging the demonstrations to remain peaceful, stating that “no cause is worth the loss of a young life.” Her comments, posted amid reports of clashes between protesters and police, drew sharp criticism from a segment of users who accused her of taking a neutral stance and downplaying the seriousness of the situation.
In her statement, Maaney reflected on the emotional toll of the protests, noting that images of injured students and police officers had deeply affected her. She wrote, “All I could think was… please don’t get hurt. Please stay safe. If your life is in danger, go back home. No cause is worth losing a life over.” She emphasized that every student is “someone’s child, someone’s dream, and someone’s entire world,” and called for an education system that is transparent, fair, and offers equal opportunity to all.
Addressing the broader movement, Maaney said she hopes the original purpose of the protests will not be eclipsed by growing emotions and divergent voices. She reiterated her belief in peaceful protest, stating she does not support violence “no matter who it comes from.” When asked about her silence in the early days of the demonstrations, she explained that she felt a responsibility to speak with care, given the reach of her words, and that she would be willing to revise her views if new information emerged. “I don’t see that as weakness. I see it as growth and responsibility,” she added.
Maaney also encouraged her followers to think independently, urging them not to accept any single viewpoint—including her own—as absolute truth. She advised, “Read. Listen. Ask questions. Stay informed. Think critically. And most importantly, make up your own mind. Let ‘you’ be your only influencer.” After the post went live, her accounts were inundated with criticism, and several users alleged that she had blocked those questioning her stance. The backlash prompted Maaney to disable comments on her Instagram account, a move that was met with further condemnation from other influencers who accused her of silence and inconsistency.
