In a serious case that has caught the attention of the media, the Indian cricketer Virat Kohli he was shocked by a reporter when he arrived at Melbourne airport for the much-anticipated Boxing Day match against Australia. The debate, which took place on Thursday (December 19) was caught on camera and went viral, sparking private conversations and celebrity support in public spaces.
The event is happening
Kohli arrived in Melbourne with his wife, an actress Anushka Sharmaafter the end of the third Test at the Gabba, which ended in a draw. As he walked through the airport, he noticed that the cameras were watching him and his family. Reports suggest that a Channel 7 reporter was filming them without permission, prompting Kohli to confront the station's staff.
In a video shared by various sources, Kohli is heard expressing his frustration, saying, “With my children, I want to be alone, right? You can't take pictures without asking me.” His words highlighted the tension between public interest and personal privacy, especially when it comes to families with cricketing backgrounds.
Virat Kohli clashed with the Australian media in Melbourne after taking pictures of his family without permission. pic.twitter.com/SCPktXtrlU
– RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) December 19, 2024
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli was involved in a deadly altercation at the Melbourne airport. @theodrop they have details. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb #AUSWIN #7 ISSUES pic.twitter.com/uXqGzmMAJi
– 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) December 19, 2024
Also READ: Check the Facts: Did Anil Kumble blame Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after Gabba Test failure?
The incident caused controversy among fans and the media. Some agreed with Kohli's stance on protecting his family's privacy, while others criticized him for his aggressive response. A reporter from Channel 7 later explained that Kohli's anger stemmed from a misunderstanding; she believed the media was filming her children while she focused on interviewing the Australian actor Scott Boland nearby.
After the initial altercation, Kohli reportedly calmed down and shook hands with the camera operator before leaving the venue. However, the moment had already sparked an online debate, with many fans expressing their support for Kohli's right to privacy.
A matter of contention
This incident comes at a time when Kohli has been under scrutiny for his behavior during the ongoing process Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite a strong start with a century in Perth, he has struggled to maintain his form in subsequent matches, scoring just 26 runs across four innings since then. The pressure to perform well in Australia, and the media's interest in her life, may have made her more sensitive at this time.
Under Australian law, there are no restrictions on photographing celebrities in public places, making things difficult for top Indian players like Kohli. The incident raises important questions about the limits of media coverage and the right of individuals to maintain their privacy in public.