Amid Ravi Mohan-Aarti Ravi Split, Keneeshaa Francis Hit With INR 1.30 Lakh Fine by UAE Firm in Defamation Case – Reports

Singer Kenisha Francis and her associate Aruna have been found guilty of defamation by a UAE court under the United Arab Emirates Cybercrime Law, resulting in a fine of AED 5,000 (approximately INR 1.30 lakh) each. The judgment arrives amidst intense public scrutiny surrounding Kenisha, who has recently been at the centre of a high-profile controversy involving Tamil actor Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi) and his estranged wife, Aarti. Keneeshaa Francis Breaks Up With Ravi Mohan, Says, 'I Release Him With Peace'; Goes Off Social Media (See Last Post).

What is the New Defamation Case Against Kenisha Francis?

The UAE legal case dates back to September of last year, when Kenisha was scheduled to perform at an event organised by a private company in Dubai. Following a dispute, Kenisha posted allegations on social media claiming the private firm had failed to pay her for the gig. Her friend, Aruna, reposted the statement, adding comments that they were being financially exploited.

In response, the private firm filed a defamation lawsuit, presenting receipts and financial proof to the court to show that payments had indeed been processed. Because neither Kenisha nor Aruna appeared in court to defend themselves, the judicial authorities reviewed the evidence, including screenshots of the social media posts and conducted the trial in their absence. Under UAE Cybercrime laws, the court ruled that the posts unlawfully damaged the company's reputation and issued the monetary fines.

Legal Restrictions Involving Aarti Ravi and Ravi Mohan

This international verdict adds to a growing list of legal entanglements for Kenisha. In Chennai, actor Ravi Mohan’s estranged wife, Aarti, moved the Madras High Court seeking a restraining order against the singer.

During a hearing before Justice N. Senthilkumar, Aarti’s senior counsel, J Raveendran, argued that Kenisha's ongoing defamatory remarks on social media were causing Aarti severe mental agony. The court accepted the arguments and issued an injunction legally barring Kenisha from making any further defamatory statements about Aarti. Public speculation had heavily linked Kenisha's friendship with Ravi Mohan to the couple’s marital split, which began when they announced their separation in September 2024. The divorce case remains under review in a family court.

Keneeshaa Francis Emotional Outburst on Social Media

The compounding pressure from multiple legal battles and severe online trolling eventually led Kenisha to announce her departure from the entertainment industry and public life entirely.

In an emotional Instagram post, Kenisha shared deeply personal grievances, noting that she had lost her parents at a young age and suffered the loss of a pregnancy at age 18, emphasising she would never intentionally break up another family. Stating that the world left no room for "true love and loyalty," she declared she was leaving Chennai and permanently giving up her music and therapy practices. In a final note directed at the public backlash, she added, "Now Ravi Mohan is yours," signalling an end to her association with him. Ravi Mohan Dons the Mala, Takes On a Spiritual Look As He Begins Deeksha for Sabarimala Pilgrimage Amid Divorce Battle (See Pic).

Following her public departure, an emotional Ravi Mohan held a press conference to defend her and address his ongoing personal battles. Visibly shaken and tearful, Mohan revealed that his own parents had begged him not to leave his marriage, but claimed he faced immense injustice behind closed doors, including being blocked from seeing his children. Defending Kenisha against the cyberbullying that "drove her away," Mohan announced he would be taking an indefinite hiatus from acting until his personal life and divorce proceedings are fully resolved.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2026 05:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).