Actor and activist Prakash Raj found himself at the centre of a tense exchange with journalists in Bengaluru after a press conference descended into a prolonged confrontation over his controversial reference to “sold-out media” in a social media invitation for the event.
The confrontation began when journalists questioned Raj over a social media post inviting what he described as “sold-out Godi media” to attend the press conference. Reporters demanded to know why such language had been used and whether he was accusing sections of the media of compromising their independence.
As reporters repeatedly pressed him to clarify whom he was referring to, Raj attempted to draw a distinction between the official invitation issued through the Press Club and the message he had posted on social media. He argued that the formal invitation extended to journalists through the Press Club was respectful and did not contain any such references. According to Raj, his social media remarks were directed at specific media outlets and individuals whom he believed had “sold out,” not at the journalists present at the venue.
Kannada Media journalists cooked Prakash Raj so badly 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/W9XelfDpxA
— Vineeta Singh 🇮🇳 (@biharigurl) June 18, 2026
The explanation failed to satisfy several reporters, who repeatedly asked him to identify the media organisations he was referring to. Journalists challenged him to either name those outlets or withdraw the remark, arguing that making broad allegations without evidence unfairly tarnished the reputation of the media.
The interaction soon turned combative. Journalists accused Raj of dodging direct questions and attempting to divert the discussion. Several reporters pointed out that he had never used such language while inviting the media to previous press conferences and questioned why he had chosen to do so on this occasion.
Raj, however, stood his ground and refused to name anyone. At one point, he told journalists that if they were not among those he was referring to, they should not feel targeted. He repeatedly maintained that he had already provided an answer and that reporters were refusing to accept it.
As the questioning intensified, journalists accused the actor of showing disrespect to the media and demanded an apology. Raj rejected the demand, insisting that he had not insulted the journalists present and had only criticised certain sections of the media whom he believed had damaged the credibility of journalism.
Yesterday, Prakash Raj called Kannada media “sold out media”.
Today, the same media gave him a reality check & put him in his place, in the slipper stand.
After all this, reports say the hall filled with a foul smell, some say that Prakash Raj had shit his pants 😂 pic.twitter.com/taD7er69hl
— Kiran Aradhya (@KiranAradhyaadv) June 17, 2026
Throughout the exchange, reporters continued to press him for names and evidence, while Raj responded with sarcasm, rhetorical questions and repeated assertions that he would not disclose identities. He even remarked that revealing names could affect the lives and families of those concerned, a response that triggered further questions from journalists.
The standoff lasted several minutes, with neither side willing to back down. What was intended to be a press conference on broader issues ultimately became dominated by a spirited debate over media credibility, journalistic ethics and Prakash Raj’s controversial “sold-out media” remark.
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