Vairamuthu was recently presented the prestigious ONV Award. However, Chinmayi Sripaada, Parvathy and several celebrities called out the jury for honouring a #MeToo accused. Soon, the ONV Cultural Academy said that they are reconsidering the award. Vairamuthu released a video on May 29 saying that he is returning the award.
In the video, Vairamuthu said, "The ONV cultural academy announced that this year the prestigious ONV Kurup literary award will be given to me. I was happy and grateful to receive the award. But, due to the interference of a few envious people, it was announced that the award is being re-examined. I am afraid this decision may belittle me and the ONV award. I also don’t wish to put a group of distinguished judges in a difficult spot. I would prefer to avoid receiving this award amid all the controversies. I would like to make one thing clear, I am being very honest. Nobody wants to examine my honesty. In this situation, I have made a clear decision. I am returning the award to the ONV a cultural academy. I also request that the cash reward of Rs 3 lakh that was part of the award to be donated to Kerala CM’s relief fund. And to token of my affection and respect towards Malayalees, I will also be contributing another Rs 2 lakh to the Kerala CM relief fund in my individual capacity. Let the brotherhood between Tamil and Malayalam thrive. I would also like to thank Tamil CM MK Stalin for congratulating me when the award was announced to me (sic)."
