Richa Chadha reacts sharply to Indian-origin author Deepak Chopra's Epstein files link

The release of new documents from the Epstein files has brought Indian-American author Deepak Chopra under public scrutiny. Emails allegedly showing communication between Chopra and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released this week, sparking strong reactions online. Actor Richa Chadha criticised Chopra's response, while discussions on social media intensified as old messages resurfaced and generated debate around the issue.

Richa Chadha took to social media to re-share Chopra's statement and express her disapproval. She wrote, "If life makes you a Deepak, be a Mohammad, not Chopra. (vomit emojis)." Chadha’s comment highlighted her dissatisfaction with Chopra's response and added to the online discussion.

Among the documents made public earlier, one email attributed to Chopra and addressed to Epstein read: "God is a construct. Cute girls are real," which quickly circulated on various online platforms. After this message gained attention, Chopra released a statement addressing the controversy and the context of his previous communications with Epstein.

Chopra later wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "I am deeply saddened by the suffering of the victims in this case, and I unequivocally condemn abuse and exploitation in all forms. I want to be clear: I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity (sic)."

Additionally, Chopra acknowledged the tone of past email exchanges, saying: "Some past email exchanges have surfaced that reflect poor judgment in tone. I regret that and understand how they read today, given what was publicly known at the time. My focus remains on supporting accountability, prevention, and efforts that protect and support survivors."

She also amplified a post from another user who claimed that Chopra had invited her to meet him at night when she was 16. This further fuelled the online conversation, with many sharing their views and concerns about the revelations in the Epstein files.

What is Epstein files?

The Epstein files refer to a massive cache of court documents, emails, flight logs, photographs, and testimonies linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was arrested in 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors and later died in jail. The newly released tranche is part of an ongoing unsealing of records connected to Epstein's associates and social network, made public following legal pressure and court orders in the US.

The latest documents include previously sealed correspondence, contact lists, and witness material that shed light on Epstein's relationships with influential figures across politics, business, academia, and entertainment. While being named in the files does not imply criminal wrongdoing, the revelations have reignited scrutiny of past associations, private communications, and the extent of proximity to Epstein. Each release has triggered renewed public debate, online backlash, and calls for accountability, particularly around how powerful individuals were able to remain within Epstein's orbit for years despite allegations against him.

Who is Deepak Kumar?

In a related but separate event, Richa Chadha referenced an incident in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, where gym owner Deepak Kumar confronted a mob over the name of an elderly Muslim shopkeeper's store. A video showed Kumar stating, "My name is Mohammad Deepak," in response to questions about his identity. Police have registered three cases, including a first information report against Kumar, following the confrontation.