Riteish Deshmukh reacts to Lock Upp contestants' sexual abuse revelations: 'The shame doesn't lie with the victim'

Riteish Deshmukh. Pic via Special Arrangement

Actor and Lock Upp host Riteish Deshmukh has opened up about the emotional impact of contestants sharing deeply personal stories of sexual abuse on the reality show. Speaking about the heartbreaking confessions, the actor said the platform is not just about entertainment but also about giving survivors a safe space to speak their truth without fear or judgment.

Lock Upp contestants opened up about sexual abuse

Several contestants on Lock Upp have broken down while revealing traumatic incidents from their past. One such revelation came from contestant Shreya, who disclosed that she was allegedly molested by a cousin when she was just 13 years old. She admitted that she had never even told her family about the incident and had hoped the truth would never come out publicly. Her confession left fellow contestants and viewers emotional, highlighting the lasting impact of childhood trauma.

Reacting to such moments, Riteish said it takes immense courage for survivors to speak about abuse, especially on a public platform. Stressing that victims should never be blamed for what happened to them, he said, "The shame doesn't lie with the victim. The shame lies with the perpetrator."

Riteish Deshmukh extends support

The actor added that many people suppress such painful experiences for years because of fear, stigma and the possibility of being judged. According to him, when contestants choose to share their stories, it can inspire countless others who have gone through similar experiences to find the strength to speak up and seek help.

Riteish further explained that while Lock Upp is a competitive reality show, it has also become a platform where participants reveal vulnerable aspects of their lives. He believes these conversations can create awareness around sensitive issues like abuse, mental trauma and healing, encouraging society to respond with empathy rather than criticism.

The actor also acknowledged that listening to these confessions is emotionally overwhelming, but said they serve a much larger purpose by reminding people that survivors deserve support and compassion.

Since premiering on Netflix, Lock Upp has witnessed several emotional revelations alongside its intense tasks and interpersonal conflicts. Hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan, the show continues to balance high-voltage drama with deeply personal moments that often spark conversations beyond the game. Contestants' real-life stories have emerged as some of the season's most powerful moments, resonating with viewers and drawing attention to issues that are often left unspoken.