False accusations can have a profound impact, leaving people feeling hurt, betrayed, and often uncertain about how to react. Actress Esha Deol recently shared her experience with unfounded rumors suggesting she had experimented with drugs.
According to Indian Express, these rumors emerged in the early 2010s, with some publications speculating that Esha might be heading to rehab. Esha was deeply shocked by the completely false allegations. In her mother Hema Malini’s biography Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl by Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Esha revealed the emotional toll the incident took on her.
She clarified, “I am firmly against drugs, and I have never touched them.” Esha also mentioned how hurtful the article about her supposed drug addiction was, saying, “I was so upset I told my mom to have my blood tested.” Esha emphasized that she always strived to protect her parents’ reputation and would never do anything to bring shame to them.
While she admitted to enjoying parties and having drinks with friends during her youth, she stressed that it was normal at that age, and the issue arose because of her public image.
When faced with false accusations, it can be challenging to find the right response, balancing the need to defend oneself with maintaining dignity. Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counselor and psychotherapist, shares advice on how to handle such situations.
She states that emotional regulation is essential before reacting. The immediate instinct may be to defend oneself with strong emotions, but this can often backfire. She suggests using techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or grounding to manage anger, fear, and frustration, allowing for a more measured response.
Not all accusations require an immediate reply, and sometimes engaging with them can escalate the situation. Khangarot also highlights the value of cognitive reframing, a psychological technique that helps shift one’s perspective on stressful events. Asking yourself whether responding will help clear your name or merely fuel further controversy is crucial.
