Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently opened up about the online trolling she faced after questioning long-running health-related stories, especially those affecting women. She addressed the issue during a panel discussion at the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 held in Dubai, where she highlighted how deep fear and silence still dominate the experiences of women in the medical field.
“Why are women still afraid to ask questions?”
According to the Gulf News report, Samantha, quoting her words, raised an important question: “Why are women still afraid to question their doctors?” She explained that unequal power between patients and healthcare providers makes many women hesitant to seek clarity, ask follow-up questions, or even consider a second opinion.
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“Every woman should feel able to ask questions and demand equality from their health care providers,” she said. She said this imbalance often pushes women into silence rather than making informed decisions. According to Samantha, the fear of being judged or dismissed prevents women from advocating for their health.
His personal journey into health advocacy
Samantha also reflected on how her own health struggles shaped her outlook. Recalling her diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, she shared how the experience forced her to re-evaluate everything she knew.
“For context, I started because of my autoimmune disease and ultimately quit my job for two years so I could process all this fragmented knowledge,” she revealed. The actor explained that time away from work helped him really understand his situation and the gaps in information surrounding it.
She also admitted that starting a conversation about health was not easy. “When I started my podcast, I had to overcome a lot of guilt for asking certain questions,” said Samantha, explaining how women are often conditioned to apologize for asking for answers.
Facing online trolling and backlash
During the discussion, Samantha reflected on the intense criticism she faced when she turned her focus toward health care awareness. “I know firsthand, because of the amount of trolling I’ve faced on the health care issue, how volatile a situation becomes when you start asking questions,” she said.
In 2024, Samantha found herself at the center of controversy after mentioning hydrogen peroxide nebulization as a possible alternative to viral infections. The statement sparked intense reaction online, with hepatologist Dr Cyriac AB Phillips, known as The LiverDoc, calling the suggestion dangerous misinformation and calling the actor “health and science illiterate”.
The doctor later apologized for his inappropriate comments but clarified that his intention was to discourage the spread of unverified medical practices. He said he hoped Samantha would distance herself from physicians who spread misinformation and exploit vulnerable patients.
Samantha’s explanation
Responding to the criticism, Samantha clarified that she was not endorsing or promoting the treatment. She said, “I am not naive enough to strongly advocate a treatment. I only suggested it with good intentions.” He explained that his views are shaped by personal experiences over the years.
He also highlighted the financial burden of medical treatment, noting that not everyone can afford expensive therapy. “Ultimately, we all depend on educated doctors to guide us,” said Samantha. He said that a highly qualified medical professional with decades of experience had suggested alternative medicine to him.
What’s next for Samantha Ruth Prabhu?
Despite the controversy, Samantha has continued to use her platform to promote difficult but necessary conversations around women’s health, autonomy, and informed consent. On the professional front, the actor will next be seen in ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’ as fans are eagerly waiting for his return to the screens.
(This article is for your general information only. Zee News does not confirm its accuracy or reliability.)