Sexual harassment offences against women by people in positions of power like government officials and the police in North Korea are normal and part of a women's daily routine.

A report by the Human Rights Watch, a global, non-governmental organisation, which prepared the report by interviewing at least 50 North Koreans who fled the country, gives an insight into the everyday happenings in markets, detention facilities, checkpoints, army bases, etc, Fox News reported citing a Guardian report.

"The North Koreans we spoke with told us that unwanted sexual contact and violence is so common that it has come to be accepted as part of ordinary life: sexual abuse by officials, and the impunity they enjoy, is linked to larger patterns of sexual abuse and impunity in the country," the report read.

"Interviewees told us that when a guard or police officer ' pick' a woman, she has no choice but to comply with any demands he makes, whether for sex, money or other favours. Women in custody have little choice should they attempt to refuse or complain afterwards, and risk sexual violence, longer periods in detention, beatings, forced labour or increased scrutiny while conducting market activities," the report added.

A woman, who escaped North Korea in 2014, described her experiences in a prison, where she was sexually abused by a guard.

"Click, click, click was the most horrible sound I ever heard. It was the sound of the key of the cell of our prison room opening. Every night a prison guard would open the cell. I stood still quietly, acting like I didn`t notice, hoping it wouldn`t be me the one to have to follow the guard, hoping it wouldn`t be him," she said.

"It happens so often nobody thinks it is a big deal. Men who sexually assault women don`t think it is wrong, and we (women) do not either. We don`t even realize when we are upset. But we are human, and we feel it. So sometimes, out of nowhere, you cry at night and don`t know why," another woman said.

The report comes amid North Korea's ongoing nuclear disarmament efforts, led by the United States.

While North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's propaganda has labelled the country a "socialist paradise" and completely crime-free, Kenneth Roth, the executive director of the Human Rights Watch said that the country cannot overlook the report.

After this report, North Korea can`t say sexual violence doesn`t exist, so they have to either change their tune or fix the problem. Kim Jong-un could stop this, he could enforce the laws North Korea already has on the books," Roth said.&nbsp;

Sexual harassment offences against women by people in positions of power like government officials and the police in North Korea are normal and part of a women's daily routine.

Sexual harassment offences against women by people in positions of power like government officials and the police in North Korea are normal and part of a women's daily routine. A report by the Human Rights Watch, a global, non-governmental organisation, which prepared the report by interviewing at least 50 North Koreans who fled the country, gives an insight into the everyday happenings in markets, detention facilities, checkpoints, army bases, etc, Fox News reported citing a Guardian report. "The North Koreans we spoke with told us that unwanted sexual contact and violence is so common that it has come to be accepted as part of ordinary life: sexual abuse by officials, and the impunity they enjoy, is linked to larger patterns of sexual abuse and impunity in the country," the report read. "Interviewees told us that when a guard or police officer ' pick' a woman, she has no choice but to comply with any demands he makes, whether for sex, money or other favours. Women in custody have little choice should they attempt to refuse or complain afterwards, and risk sexual violence, longer periods in detention, beatings, forced labour or increased scrutiny while conducting market activities," the report added. A woman, who escaped North Korea in 2014, described her experiences in a prison, where she was sexually abused by a guard. "Click, click, click was the most horrible sound I ever heard. It was the sound of the key of the cell of our prison room opening. Every night a prison guard would open the cell. I stood still quietly, acting like I didn`t notice, hoping it wouldn`t be me the one to have to follow the guard, hoping it wouldn`t be him," she said. "It happens so often nobody thinks it is a big deal. Men who sexually assault women don`t think it is wrong, and we (women) do not either. We don`t even realize when we are upset. But we are human, and we feel it. So sometimes, out of nowhere, you cry at night and don`t know why," another woman said. The report comes amid North Korea's ongoing nuclear disarmament efforts, led by the United States. While North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's propaganda has labelled the country a "socialist paradise" and completely crime-free, Kenneth Roth, the executive director of the Human Rights Watch said that the country cannot overlook the report. After this report, North Korea can`t say sexual violence doesn`t exist, so they have to either change their tune or fix the problem. Kim Jong-un could stop this, he could enforce the laws North Korea already has on the books," Roth said.

Sexual abuse part of daily routine in North Korea: Report

WION Your Story: More than 1,500 Google employees to stage walkout

Hundreds of Google employees and contractors in Asia staged brief midday walkouts on Thursday, with thousands more expected to follow at offices worldwide, amid complaints of sexism, racism and unchecked executive power in their workplace.

In a statement late Wednesday, the organizers called on Google parent Alphabet Inc to add an employee representative to its board of directors and internally share pay-equity data. They also asked for changes to Google's human resources practices intended to make bringing harassment claims a fairer process.

Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said in a statement that "employees have raised constructive ideas" and that the company was "taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action."

The dissatisfaction among Alphabet's 94,000 employees and tens of thousands more contractors has not noticeably affected company shares. But employees expect Alphabet to face recruiting and retention challenges if their concerns go unaddressed.

The demonstrations follow a New York Times report last week that said Google in 2014 gave a $90 million exit package to Andy Rubin after the then-senior vice president was accused of sexual harassment.

Rubin denied the allegation in the story, which he also said contained "wild exaggerations" about his compensation. Google did not dispute the report.

The report energized a months-long movement inside Google to increase diversity, improve treatment of women and minorities and ensure the company upholds its motto of "don't be evil" as it expands.

Much of the organizing earlier this year was internal, including petition drives, brainstorming sessions with top executives and training from the workers' rights group Coworker.org.

On Thursday, employees posted on social media about the walkout and were set to deliver speeches in public plazas.

Since its founding two decades ago, Google has been known around the world for its exceptional transparency with workers. Executives' goals and insights into corporate strategy have been accessible to any employee.

But organizers said Google executives, like leaders at other companies affected by the #metoo movement, have been slow to address some structural issues.

"While Google has championed the language of diversity and inclusion, substantive actions to address systemic racism, increase equity, and stop sexual harassment have been few and far between," organizers stated.

They said Google must publicly report its sexual harassment statistics and end forced arbitration in harassment cases. In addition, they asked that the chief diversity officer be able to directly advise the board.

Hundreds of Google employees and contractors in Asia staged brief midday walkouts on Thursday, with thousands more expected to follow at offices worldwide, amid complaints of sexism, racism and unchecked executive power in their workplace.

Hundreds of Google employees and contractors in Asia staged brief midday walkouts on Thursday, with thousands more expected to follow at offices worldwide, amid complaints of sexism, racism and unchecked executive power in their workplace. In a statement late Wednesday, the organizers called on Google parent Alphabet Inc to add an employee representative to its board of directors and internally share pay-equity data. They also asked for changes to Google's human resources practices intended to make bringing harassment claims a fairer process. Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said in a statement that "employees have raised constructive ideas" and that the company was "taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action." The dissatisfaction among Alphabet's 94,000 employees and tens of thousands more contractors has not noticeably affected company shares. But employees expect Alphabet to face recruiting and retention challenges if their concerns go unaddressed. The demonstrations follow a New York Times report last week that said Google in 2014 gave a $90 million exit package to Andy Rubin after the then-senior vice president was accused of sexual harassment. Rubin denied the allegation in the story, which he also said contained "wild exaggerations" about his compensation. Google did not dispute the report. The report energized a months-long movement inside Google to increase diversity, improve treatment of women and minorities and ensure the company upholds its motto of "don't be evil" as it expands. Much of the organizing earlier this year was internal, including petition drives, brainstorming sessions with top executives and training from the workers' rights group Coworker.org. On Thursday, employees posted on social media about the walkout and were set to deliver speeches in public plazas. Since its founding two decades ago, Google has been known around the world for its exceptional transparency with workers. Executives' goals and insights into corporate strategy have been accessible to any employee. But organizers said Google executives, like leaders at other companies affected by the #metoo movement, have been slow to address some structural issues. "While Google has championed the language of diversity and inclusion, substantive actions to address systemic racism, increase equity, and stop sexual harassment have been few and far between," organizers stated. They said Google must publicly report its sexual harassment statistics and end forced arbitration in harassment cases. In addition, they asked that the chief diversity officer be able to directly advise the board.

Google workers walk out to protest office harassment, inequality

By Ayona Datta, Nabeela Ahmed and Rakhi Tripathi

Spin the globe to India and you’ll see it’s lit up like Diwali: the #MeToo movement is rising, and – like its US predecessor – is largely being played out on social media, with very real consequences for well-known public figures. The campaign is not confined to large cities; among the top areas searching the term are small towns across India.

This moment has been a long time coming. The public accounts of violence shared by women using the #MeToo hashtag stretch back to memories of growing up, entering the workforce, walking on the streets, using public transport and other settings typically encountered throughout the course of life.

Recently, the government attempted to use smart technologies to deliver safe cities for women. The strategies used to address both online and offline violence include installing surveillance systems such as CCTV cameras, facial recognition, license plate recognition and social media monitoring. What makes these strategies “smart” is that they are integrated into centralised police command and control centres, to monitor and increase response rates.

Yet one of the flagship smart safety apps, Himmat – launched by the Delhi police in 2013 to enable women to alert police control centres of the location of violent incidents in real-time – had only 30,000 users in a city of 19m, and was declared a failure by a parliamentary panel in 2018.

A right to technology

Clearly, technology has divergent outcomes: it can escalate a global movement for gender justice, but it cannot be taken as a panacea for deep-rooted social problems such as violence against women. This raises further questions about who has access to technology, and how it can be used to document the violence.

In India, these questions are significant because 26 per cent of the population has access to the internet, compared to the US and the UK where it is 88 per cent and 90 per cent respectively. The demographics of people who use the internet is also skewed in terms of age, gender and geography: 75 per cent of mobile internet users in India are aged 20 to 30, while only 5 per cent are over the age of 35. What’s more, 89 per cent of mobile internet users are male, and only 27 per cent live in smaller cities.

A recent study highlighted that although more people of different ages and incomes are starting to use mobile phones across India, there are still barriers to access: currently, only 45 per cent of people in lower income groups have a mobile phone.

Working women often use mobile phones which belong to male household members, and can be used to monitor their movements. The lower purchasing power of these families means that they mainly have access to older models bought secondhand, with little capacity to download data-intensive apps and other web content.

When they do use the internet, working-class women often do so for practical purposes – searching for employment, transport options, childcare and so on. Mobile phones themselves can even be seen as harmful mediums of violence against women, by means of abusive texts or cyberstalking – as #MeToo has shown.

Speak, witness, curate

We three academics are part of a larger group of researchers and social organisations, who have been examining the links between access to digital technology, urban infrastructure and violence against women in India, as well as considering how women themselves speak about and document these connected issues.

Based on our research, we see the right to technology as a key means of fighting gender injustice, in all its forms, in the 21st century. A right to technology means developing women’s capacity to speak about violence. More than simply giving women the freedom to speak via mobile phones, a right to technology would expand their use safety apps and global hashtags to include text messages, pictures and videos shared between private support groups.

It also means developing the potential of low-cost, lightweight mobile technologies to enable women to speak of violence, giving them the confidence to locate their violence – in the home, street, buses, workplace – and name its perpetrators, whether that’s family members, colleagues, friends. The purpose of this speech? To be believed, to not be shamed, to remove their perpetrator or to claim justice through the courts.

A right to technology is also about developing a society’s capacity to witness violence through technology. This means expanding how violence is seen and heard, from the #MeToo hashtags to the range of social, legal, policy and infrastructural blindspots which enable violence to continue on an everyday basis and be perceived as normal.

It means seeing violence in the absence of safe spaces, lack of access to safe and reliable public transport, safe drinking water or public toilets. It means perceiving violence in stories of everyday struggles with mobility, unemployment and education. It means witnessing violence in women’s inability to speak without a #MeToo movement, or even despite a #MeToo movement.

A right to technology also means building women’s capacity to curate violence through a variety of media. This means women can actively select and present a variety of personal stories of violence in their daily lives – monsoon rain floods, waiting for public transport, moments of panic in buses filled with men and restrictions on mobility.

The maps and pictures shared by women living in the urban margins show the mundane ways in which violence against women and other forms of injustice are interwoven in their everyday lives. This bottom-up viewpoint disrupts the Google worldview of #MeToo trends, seen from a global perspective, and allows women who are too often overlooked and excluded from urban technology to curate their experiences of violence, within or without the #MeToo movement.

(Ayona Datta is Reader in Urban Futures, King's College London; Nabeela Ahmed is Postdoctoral Research Associate, King's College London; &nbsp;Rakhi Tripathi is Associate Professor in Information Technology, FORE School of Management) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/metoo-has-arrived-in-india-and-its-changing-how-technology-is-used-to-fight-injustice-105755">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Ayona Datta, Nabeela Ahmed and Rakhi Tripathi Spin the globe to India and you’ll see it’s lit up like Diwali: the #MeToo movement is rising, and – like its US predecessor – is largely being played out on social media, with very real consequences for well-known public figures.

By Ayona Datta, Nabeela Ahmed and Rakhi Tripathi Spin the globe to India and you’ll see it’s lit up like Diwali: the #MeToo movement is rising, and – like its US predecessor – is largely being played out on social media, with very real consequences for well-known public figures. The campaign is not confined to large cities; among the top areas searching the term are small towns across India. This moment has been a long time coming. The public accounts of violence shared by women using the #MeToo hashtag stretch back to memories of growing up, entering the workforce, walking on the streets, using public transport and other settings typically encountered throughout the course of life. Recently, the government attempted to use smart technologies to deliver safe cities for women. The strategies used to address both online and offline violence include installing surveillance systems such as CCTV cameras, facial recognition, license plate recognition and social media monitoring. What makes these strategies “smart” is that they are integrated into centralised police command and control centres, to monitor and increase response rates. Yet one of the flagship smart safety apps, Himmat – launched by the Delhi police in 2013 to enable women to alert police control centres of the location of violent incidents in real-time – had only 30,000 users in a city of 19m, and was declared a failure by a parliamentary panel in 2018. A right to technology Clearly, technology has divergent outcomes: it can escalate a global movement for gender justice, but it cannot be taken as a panacea for deep-rooted social problems such as violence against women. This raises further questions about who has access to technology, and how it can be used to document the violence. In India, these questions are significant because 26 per cent of the population has access to the internet, compared to the US and the UK where it is 88 per cent and 90 per cent respectively. The demographics of people who use the internet is also skewed in terms of age, gender and geography: 75 per cent of mobile internet users in India are aged 20 to 30, while only 5 per cent are over the age of 35. What’s more, 89 per cent of mobile internet users are male, and only 27 per cent live in smaller cities. A recent study highlighted that although more people of different ages and incomes are starting to use mobile phones across India, there are still barriers to access: currently, only 45 per cent of people in lower income groups have a mobile phone. Working women often use mobile phones which belong to male household members, and can be used to monitor their movements. The lower purchasing power of these families means that they mainly have access to older models bought secondhand, with little capacity to download data-intensive apps and other web content. When they do use the internet, working-class women often do so for practical purposes – searching for employment, transport options, childcare and so on. Mobile phones themselves can even be seen as harmful mediums of violence against women, by means of abusive texts or cyberstalking – as #MeToo has shown. Speak, witness, curate We three academics are part of a larger group of researchers and social organisations, who have been examining the links between access to digital technology, urban infrastructure and violence against women in India, as well as considering how women themselves speak about and document these connected issues. Based on our research, we see the right to technology as a key means of fighting gender injustice, in all its forms, in the 21st century. A right to technology means developing women’s capacity to speak about violence. More than simply giving women the freedom to speak via mobile phones, a right to technology would expand their use safety apps and global hashtags to include text messages, pictures and videos shared between private support groups. It also means developing the potential of low-cost, lightweight mobile technologies to enable women to speak of violence, giving them the confidence to locate their violence – in the home, street, buses, workplace – and name its perpetrators, whether that’s family members, colleagues, friends. The purpose of this speech? To be believed, to not be shamed, to remove their perpetrator or to claim justice through the courts. A right to technology is also about developing a society’s capacity to witness violence through technology. This means expanding how violence is seen and heard, from the #MeToo hashtags to the range of social, legal, policy and infrastructural blindspots which enable violence to continue on an everyday basis and be perceived as normal. It means seeing violence in the absence of safe spaces, lack of access to safe and reliable public transport, safe drinking water or public toilets. It means perceiving violence in stories of everyday struggles with mobility, unemployment and education. It means witnessing violence in women’s inability to speak without a #MeToo movement, or even despite a #MeToo movement. A right to technology also means building women’s capacity to curate violence through a variety of media. This means women can actively select and present a variety of personal stories of violence in their daily lives – monsoon rain floods, waiting for public transport, moments of panic in buses filled with men and restrictions on mobility. The maps and pictures shared by women living in the urban margins show the mundane ways in which violence against women and other forms of injustice are interwoven in their everyday lives. This bottom-up viewpoint disrupts the Google worldview of #MeToo trends, seen from a global perspective, and allows women who are too often overlooked and excluded from urban technology to curate their experiences of violence, within or without the #MeToo movement. (Ayona Datta is Reader in Urban Futures, King's College London; Nabeela Ahmed is Postdoctoral Research Associate, King's College London; Rakhi Tripathi is Associate Professor in Information Technology, FORE School of Management) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

#MeToo movement is changing how technology is used to fight injustice

Google Inc Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said on Thursday the company had fired 48 employees for sexual harassment over the past two years.&nbsp;

Pichai sent an email to Google employees in response to a New York Times story that was published earlier in the day.

The report said the search engine giant protected three senior executives from allegations of sexual misconduct by offering them payouts.

The email, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, said of the 48 that were fired, 13 were senior managers or held more senior posts.

However, Pichai said none of those employees received an exit package.&nbsp;

The email, which was also signed by Google's vice president of people operations Eileen Naughton, said that company employees could use internal tools to report cases of inappropriate behaviour anonymously.&nbsp;

It also said that Google has updated its policy to require all vice presidents and senior vice presidents to disclose any relationship with a co-worker regardless of reporting line or presence of conflict.

"We are committed to ensuring that Google is a workplace where you can feel safe to do your best work, and where there are serious consequences for anyone who behaves inappropriately," the email said.&nbsp;

Google Inc Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said on Thursday the company had fired 48 employees for sexual harassment over the past two years. Pichai sent an email to Google employees in response to a New York Times story that was published earlier in the day.

Google Inc Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said on Thursday the company had fired 48 employees for sexual harassment over the past two years. Pichai sent an email to Google employees in response to a New York Times story that was published earlier in the day. The report said the search engine giant protected three senior executives from allegations of sexual misconduct by offering them payouts. The email, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, said of the 48 that were fired, 13 were senior managers or held more senior posts. However, Pichai said none of those employees received an exit package. The email, which was also signed by Google's vice president of people operations Eileen Naughton, said that company employees could use internal tools to report cases of inappropriate behaviour anonymously. It also said that Google has updated its policy to require all vice presidents and senior vice presidents to disclose any relationship with a co-worker regardless of reporting line or presence of conflict. "We are committed to ensuring that Google is a workplace where you can feel safe to do your best work, and where there are serious consequences for anyone who behaves inappropriately," the email said.

Google's Sundar Pichai says 48 employees were fired for sexual harassment

The woman who had accused filmmaker Vikas Bahl of sexual misconduct and subsequent harassment at an event in Goa three years back has decided not to pursue the case legally.&nbsp; 
 
In a statement submitted to the Bombay high court on Tuesday, the woman said, "I do not wish to relive any further what has transpired and I request that my presence in this proceeding be dispensed with and I be dropped as a party." 
 
Expressing her unwillingness to pursue the case further with a formal complaint, her statement further stated, "absence of a written complaint or FIR does not and cannot take away from the truth of my statements” made on an online portal about events of the intervening night of May 4-5, 2015. I affirm and stand by” the statements."

The high court judge was hearing a Rs 10 crore defamation suit filed by Bahl against his former co-partners of Phantom films, Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane and a few other media houses over #MeToo allegations.&nbsp; 
 
In his case, Bahl had alleged that Kashyap went to the media with a story based on false allegations due to his own 'professional rivalry'.&nbsp; 
 
Bahl counsel sought interim orders against Kashyap and Motwane from putting up any defamatory posts on social media against Bahl in relation to the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the woman's statement was accepted by the court. Justice Kathawalla, at the end of the heading, said, "If she says I want to forget the incident &nbsp;and want this to be left behind should we not respect her wishes?”

The woman who had accused filmmaker Vikas Bahl of sexual misconduct and subsequent harassment at an event in Goa three years back has decided not to pursue the case legally.

The woman who had accused filmmaker Vikas Bahl of sexual misconduct and subsequent harassment at an event in Goa three years back has decided not to pursue the case legally. In a statement submitted to the Bombay high court on Tuesday, the woman said, "I do not wish to relive any further what has transpired and I request that my presence in this proceeding be dispensed with and I be dropped as a party." Expressing her unwillingness to pursue the case further with a formal complaint, her statement further stated, "absence of a written complaint or FIR does not and cannot take away from the truth of my statements” made on an online portal about events of the intervening night of May 4-5, 2015. I affirm and stand by” the statements." The high court judge was hearing a Rs 10 crore defamation suit filed by Bahl against his former co-partners of Phantom films, Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane and a few other media houses over #MeToo allegations. In his case, Bahl had alleged that Kashyap went to the media with a story based on false allegations due to his own 'professional rivalry'. Bahl counsel sought interim orders against Kashyap and Motwane from putting up any defamatory posts on social media against Bahl in relation to the case. Meanwhile, the woman's statement was accepted by the court. Justice Kathawalla, at the end of the heading, said, "If she says I want to forget the incident and want this to be left behind should we not respect her wishes?”

#MeToo: Vikas Bahl's accuser decides to not pursue case against the filmmaker

The government on Wednesday constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in order to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks to deal with and prevent sexual harassment at workplace.

The members of the GoM are Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi.

The GoM will work towards strengthening the legal and institutional frameworks to deal with, and prevent sexual harassment at workplace, a report said.

It will recommend action required for effective implementation of the existing provisions, as well as for strengthening the existing legal and institutional frameworks for addressing issues related to sexual harassment at workplace, the official said.

The GoM has been set up in the wake of #MeToo movement where several women have publicly named people who had harassed them at their workplace.

Former editor M J Akbar had to resign as Minister of State for External Affairs following allegations of sexual harassment against him by former colleagues.&nbsp;

The government on Wednesday constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in order to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks to deal with and prevent sexual harassment at workplace.

The government on Wednesday constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in order to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks to deal with and prevent sexual harassment at workplace. The members of the GoM are Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi. The GoM will work towards strengthening the legal and institutional frameworks to deal with, and prevent sexual harassment at workplace, a report said. It will recommend action required for effective implementation of the existing provisions, as well as for strengthening the existing legal and institutional frameworks for addressing issues related to sexual harassment at workplace, the official said. The GoM has been set up in the wake of #MeToo movement where several women have publicly named people who had harassed them at their workplace. Former editor M J Akbar had to resign as Minister of State for External Affairs following allegations of sexual harassment against him by former colleagues.

Rajnath Singh to head GoM to look into sexual harassment at workplace

Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;is set to return to former club Manchester United as Juventus travel to Old Trafford, England, UK for a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday.

Recently, Ronaldo has been dealing with several off-field distractions after some serious&nbsp;allegations were&nbsp;levelled against him.

A woman named Kathryn Mayorga sued him in&nbsp;a district court in Clark County, Nevada in the United State,&nbsp;alleging he raped her in 2009 in a Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite.

Mayorga is a former US-based model.

While&nbsp;Cristiano&nbsp;had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-denies-rape-accusations-tweet-169258">denied the allegations</a> via tweet, saying his conscience was clear and that he would calmly await the results of any investigation.

"I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in," he wrote in a tweet.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday,&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;paid tribute to his family as he spoke to reporters for the first time on&nbsp;Mayorga claims.

He said, "I know that I'm an example. I know 100 percent. In the pitch and outside the pitch. So I'm all smiles. I'm a happy man. I'm blessed to play at a fantastic club. I have a fantastic family. I have four kids, I am healthy, I have everything. The rest doesn't interfere with me."

Another reporter asked&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;directly about his thoughts on Mayorga, "Well you've never spoken about this, but what are your thoughts about Kathryn Mayorga?"

Ronaldo&nbsp;replied: "I'm very happy. My lawyers they are confident and of course I am too. The most important is that I enjoy football, I enjoy my life. The rest I have people who take care of my life."

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to former club Manchester United as Juventus travel to Old Trafford, England, UK for a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday. Recently, Ronaldo has been dealing with several off-field distractions after some serious allegations were levelled against him.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to former club Manchester United as Juventus travel to Old Trafford, England, UK for a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday. Recently, Ronaldo has been dealing with several off-field distractions after some serious allegations were levelled against him. A woman named Kathryn Mayorga sued him in a district court in Clark County, Nevada in the United State, alleging he raped her in 2009 in a Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite. Mayorga is a former US-based model. While Cristiano had denied the allegations via tweet, saying his conscience was clear and that he would calmly await the results of any investigation. "I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in," he wrote in a tweet. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Ronaldo paid tribute to his family as he spoke to reporters for the first time on Mayorga claims. He said, "I know that I'm an example. I know 100 percent. In the pitch and outside the pitch. So I'm all smiles. I'm a happy man. I'm blessed to play at a fantastic club. I have a fantastic family. I have four kids, I am healthy, I have everything. The rest doesn't interfere with me." Another reporter asked Ronaldo directly about his thoughts on Mayorga, "Well you've never spoken about this, but what are your thoughts about Kathryn Mayorga?" Ronaldo replied: "I'm very happy. My lawyers they are confident and of course I am too. The most important is that I enjoy football, I enjoy my life. The rest I have people who take care of my life."

Watch: I won't lie, I'm a happy man, says Ronaldo on Kathryn Mayorga

Music maestro AR Rahman believes India's #MeToo movement has the power to make the entertainment industry cleaner and respectful of women. 
 
The 51-year-old Oscar-winning composer, who shared his views on the movement Monday night via social media, said his aim has always been to create a safe working environment for everyone.&nbsp; 
 
"Been observing the #MeToo movement... Some of the names have shocked me... Both the victims and their perpetrators... I would love to see our industry become cleaner and respectful of women... More power to all the victims coming forward!! 
 
"In all my endeavours, my team and I are committed to creating an environment where everyone finds a safe creative space to bring their best, evolve and succeed," he wrote.&nbsp;

Rahman, however, said people should be careful before creating an "internet justice system".&nbsp; 
 
"Social media offers great freedom for victims to speak up, however, we should be careful in creating a new internet justice system, in case it's misused."

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Rahman's statement comes weeks after his long-time collaborator Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu was accused of predatory behaviour by multiple women, including popular singer Chinmayi Sripaada.&nbsp; 
 
India's #MeToo movement started after actor Tanushree Dutta revived a decade-old allegation of harassment against Nana Patekar, accusing him of sexual misconduct on the sets of a 2008 film.&nbsp; 
 
Following Dutta's allegations, many from the Indian film industry including people like Vikas Bahl, Alok Nath, Subhash Ghai, Sajid Khan have been accused of sexual harassment by various women.

&nbsp;

Music maestro AR Rahman believes India's #MeToo movement has the power to make the entertainment industry cleaner and respectful of women. The 51-year-old Oscar-winning composer, who shared his views on the movement Monday night via social media, said his aim has always been to create a safe working environment for everyone.

Music maestro AR Rahman believes India's #MeToo movement has the power to make the entertainment industry cleaner and respectful of women. The 51-year-old Oscar-winning composer, who shared his views on the movement Monday night via social media, said his aim has always been to create a safe working environment for everyone. "Been observing the #MeToo movement... Some of the names have shocked me... Both the victims and their perpetrators... I would love to see our industry become cleaner and respectful of women... More power to all the victims coming forward!! "In all my endeavours, my team and I are committed to creating an environment where everyone finds a safe creative space to bring their best, evolve and succeed," he wrote. Rahman, however, said people should be careful before creating an "internet justice system". "Social media offers great freedom for victims to speak up, however, we should be careful in creating a new internet justice system, in case it's misused." Rahman's statement comes weeks after his long-time collaborator Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu was accused of predatory behaviour by multiple women, including popular singer Chinmayi Sripaada. India's #MeToo movement started after actor Tanushree Dutta revived a decade-old allegation of harassment against Nana Patekar, accusing him of sexual misconduct on the sets of a 2008 film. Following Dutta's allegations, many from the Indian film industry including people like Vikas Bahl, Alok Nath, Subhash Ghai, Sajid Khan have been accused of sexual harassment by various women.

AR Rahman on #MeToo: Some of the names have shocked me

Yoga teacher and author, Ira Trivedi has taken Chetan Bhagat to court and accused him of 'maligning' her reputation. &nbsp;A few days ago, Trivedi had accused Bhagat of sexual misconduct. Bhagat had reportedly forcibly tried to kiss her in his room after inviting Ira to tea at the India International Centre.&nbsp;

A few days later, in response to Trivedi's accusations, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-chetan-bhagat-responds-to-fake-charges-against-him-171564">Chetan Bhagat, in his </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-chetan-bhagat-responds-to-fake-charges-against-him-171564">defense</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-chetan-bhagat-responds-to-fake-charges-against-him-171564">, had shared a screenshot of a mail that she had sent him in 2013</a>. The mail ended with a word 'kiss' and the author asked, “who kissed whom” to his 12.5 million Twitter followers.

According to Trivedi, she used the word 'Kiss' towards the end as a greeting as she was in a haste and that it was just a figure of speech.

“He maligned my reputation because he said to his to 12.5 million followers that I tried to kiss him, that is extremely awful. He selectively produced this email trail, in a manner which is completely out of context,” Trivedi told a leading news website over the phone.

Ira Trivedi called the 'Two States' writer a liar and said,''These statements have been made in the background of me calling him out in the #MeToo campaign. He’s trying to give the impression that I am trying to derail the movement because of personal vendetta.” 
&nbsp; 
“For the Indian masses, the society that we live in, it’s taken in an extremely negative way. I was trolled for one week, and got hate messages asking me why I would say this to a married man with children,” she added.

“He’s a thousand times more famous than I am,” she said. “His attempts to kiss me and proposition me and his groping of my friend amount to offences under Sections 509 and 354A of the IPC, his tweets and online statements about my allegations fall under sections of Sections 354D and Section 503 of the IPC,” she told a leading media website. 
&nbsp; 
Trivedi said that she tried dodging the question after he tried to bring (kiss) time and again.

“Bhagat tried to bring it (the kiss) up again and again” though he didn’t share that on Twitter. “I dodged the question, I just stopped responding completely,” she said. She sent

Bhagat had responded to the accusation on Twitter earlier and tweeted, “So who wanted to kiss whom? @iratrivedi’s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, esp last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don’t harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
So who wanted to kiss whom? <a href="https://twitter.com/iratrivedi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iratrivedi</a>’s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, esp last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don’t harm a movement with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fakecharges?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fakecharges</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/harassed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#harassed</a> <a href="https://t.co/SWeaSCfHLd">pic.twitter.com/SWeaSCfHLd</a>
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetan_bhagat/status/1051691435848687616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He further added in another tweet: “Ultimately, is this movement about the truth or blindly supporting a particular gender? Please don’t let your biases make you believe things that are not true. A person’s reputation is their most prized asset and takes a lifetime of work to earn. To have these motivated, fake attacks on me is abhorrent and the sickest thing a person can do. Please don’t support this kind of smear campaign.” 
 
In her response to Chetan Bhagat's tweet, she said, "He is maligning my reputation, and that is why I'm taking him to court,''. Trivedi has now issued a legal notice against him.

Yoga teacher and author, Ira Trivedi has taken Chetan Bhagat to court and accused him of 'maligning' her reputation. A few days ago, Trivedi had accused Bhagat of sexual misconduct.

Yoga teacher and author, Ira Trivedi has taken Chetan Bhagat to court and accused him of 'maligning' her reputation. A few days ago, Trivedi had accused Bhagat of sexual misconduct. Bhagat had reportedly forcibly tried to kiss her in his room after inviting Ira to tea at the India International Centre. A few days later, in response to Trivedi's accusations, Chetan Bhagat, in his defense, had shared a screenshot of a mail that she had sent him in 2013. The mail ended with a word 'kiss' and the author asked, “who kissed whom” to his 12.5 million Twitter followers. According to Trivedi, she used the word 'Kiss' towards the end as a greeting as she was in a haste and that it was just a figure of speech. “He maligned my reputation because he said to his to 12.5 million followers that I tried to kiss him, that is extremely awful. He selectively produced this email trail, in a manner which is completely out of context,” Trivedi told a leading news website over the phone. Ira Trivedi called the 'Two States' writer a liar and said,''These statements have been made in the background of me calling him out in the #MeToo campaign. He’s trying to give the impression that I am trying to derail the movement because of personal vendetta.” “For the Indian masses, the society that we live in, it’s taken in an extremely negative way. I was trolled for one week, and got hate messages asking me why I would say this to a married man with children,” she added. “He’s a thousand times more famous than I am,” she said. “His attempts to kiss me and proposition me and his groping of my friend amount to offences under Sections 509 and 354A of the IPC, his tweets and online statements about my allegations fall under sections of Sections 354D and Section 503 of the IPC,” she told a leading media website. Trivedi said that she tried dodging the question after he tried to bring (kiss) time and again. “Bhagat tried to bring it (the kiss) up again and again” though he didn’t share that on Twitter. “I dodged the question, I just stopped responding completely,” she said. She sent Bhagat had responded to the accusation on Twitter earlier and tweeted, “So who wanted to kiss whom? @iratrivedi’s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, esp last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don’t harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed.” So who wanted to kiss whom? @iratrivedi’s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, esp last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don’t harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed pic.twitter.com/SWeaSCfHLd — Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) October 15, 2018 × He further added in another tweet: “Ultimately, is this movement about the truth or blindly supporting a particular gender? Please don’t let your biases make you believe things that are not true. A person’s reputation is their most prized asset and takes a lifetime of work to earn. To have these motivated, fake attacks on me is abhorrent and the sickest thing a person can do. Please don’t support this kind of smear campaign.” In her response to Chetan Bhagat's tweet, she said, "He is maligning my reputation, and that is why I'm taking him to court,''. Trivedi has now issued a legal notice against him.

#MeToo: Ira Trivedi slaps legal notice on Chetan Bhagat, calls him a 'liar'

Music composer Anu Malik Sunday said he is taking a break from singing reality show "Indian Idol" following various sexual harassment allegations against him.&nbsp;

In a statement the music director, who has been attached with the show as a judge since 2004, said he decided to step away from it as he was not able to "focus on my work".&nbsp;

"I, Anu Malik, have decided to take a break from Indian Idol as I am currently unable to focus on my work on the show. The channel has been kind to agree for the same. Thank you," Malik said.

The music composer's response comes after sources claimed that Sony TV, on which the show airs, has asked him to step down as a judge for "Indian Idol 10".&nbsp;

Sony Entertainment Television also issued a statement saying the composer would not be part of the show anymore, which includes Vishal Dadlani and Neha Kakkar as the other two judges.

"Anu Malik is no longer a part of the Indian Idol jury panel. The show will continue its planned schedule and we will invite some of the biggest names in Indian music as guests to join Vishal and Neha to judge the extraordinary talent of Indian Idol season 10," the statement read.

The decision comes after singers Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit accused Malik of sexual harassment. Two budding singers also levelled similar allegations against him.

Malik's lawyer Thursday denied the allegations, saying India's #MeToo movement is being used for his client's "character assassination". Malik has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Music composer Anu Malik Sunday said he is taking a break from singing reality show "Indian Idol" following various sexual harassment allegations against him. In a statement the music director, who has been attached with the show as a judge since 2004, said he decided to step away from it as he was not able to "focus on my work".

Music composer Anu Malik Sunday said he is taking a break from singing reality show "Indian Idol" following various sexual harassment allegations against him. In a statement the music director, who has been attached with the show as a judge since 2004, said he decided to step away from it as he was not able to "focus on my work". "I, Anu Malik, have decided to take a break from Indian Idol as I am currently unable to focus on my work on the show. The channel has been kind to agree for the same. Thank you," Malik said. The music composer's response comes after sources claimed that Sony TV, on which the show airs, has asked him to step down as a judge for "Indian Idol 10". Sony Entertainment Television also issued a statement saying the composer would not be part of the show anymore, which includes Vishal Dadlani and Neha Kakkar as the other two judges. "Anu Malik is no longer a part of the Indian Idol jury panel. The show will continue its planned schedule and we will invite some of the biggest names in Indian music as guests to join Vishal and Neha to judge the extraordinary talent of Indian Idol season 10," the statement read. The decision comes after singers Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit accused Malik of sexual harassment. Two budding singers also levelled similar allegations against him. Malik's lawyer Thursday denied the allegations, saying India's #MeToo movement is being used for his client's "character assassination". Malik has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Anu Malik takes break from 'Indian Idol' amid sexual harassment allegations

A day after singer Shweta Pandit accused Anu Malik of harassment, a lawyer for the music composer said Thursday that the #MeToo movement, which is having its India moment, is being used for his client's "character assassination".

Pandit took to Twitter to accuse Malik of being a "pedophile and sexual predator", saying he misbehaved with her when she was a greenhorn in the Hindi music industry. He denied the allegation.

In a statement to PTI, Malik's lawyer, Zulfiquar Memon said, "The allegations made against my client are emphatically denied as completely false and baseless.

"My client respects the #MeToo movement but to use this movement to start a character assassination mission is obnoxious."

Pandit is not the first one to name the music director, currently a judge on reality singing TV show "Indian Idol". 
&nbsp;

A day after singer Shweta Pandit accused Anu Malik of harassment, a lawyer for the music composer said Thursday that the #MeToo movement, which is having its India moment, is being used for his client's "character assassination".

A day after singer Shweta Pandit accused Anu Malik of harassment, a lawyer for the music composer said Thursday that the #MeToo movement, which is having its India moment, is being used for his client's "character assassination". Pandit took to Twitter to accuse Malik of being a "pedophile and sexual predator", saying he misbehaved with her when she was a greenhorn in the Hindi music industry. He denied the allegation. In a statement to PTI, Malik's lawyer, Zulfiquar Memon said, "The allegations made against my client are emphatically denied as completely false and baseless. "My client respects the #MeToo movement but to use this movement to start a character assassination mission is obnoxious." Pandit is not the first one to name the music director, currently a judge on reality singing TV show "Indian Idol".

Anu Malik's lawyer says #MeToo being used for 'character assassination'

The BCCI on Thursday clarified that acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary is attending the ongoing ICC meeting in Singapore in his usual capacity as the world body's Board Director and not as a replacement for CEO Rahul Johri, who is battling allegations of sexual harassment.

Johri did not go to Singapore as he has been asked by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) to submit his response to the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by an anonymous person, claiming to be his ex-colleague.&nbsp;

"Ever since it was decided that Mr. Rahul Johri would not attend the ICC-CEC meeting, an impression has been created that Mr. Amitabh Choudhary, Acting secretary BCCI, is being sent as a 'substitute' for Mr Johri," read the BCCI statement.

"It must be noted Mr. Choudhary is a Director on the ICC Board of Directors, the highest ICC forum, for nearly two years now and has been representing India/BCCI at the meetings in his capacity as the ICC Board Director," read the BCCI statement.

In Johri's absence, Choudhary, who was going to attend the ICC Board of Directors meeting, will also be part of the Chief Executives' meeting.

"Choudhary was scheduled to attend the ICC Board of Directors meeting in the ongoing ICC conference even if Mr. Johri was going to attend the Chief Executives' meeting.

"Owing to certain circumstances, Mr. Johri is not attending the current meeting, which is attended by the respective Chief Executives of the full member countries. Mr. Choudhary, is, therefore, only, additionally standing in for Mr. Johri," the statement added.

Starting October 15, Johri has 14 days to present his response to the charges.&nbsp;

The BCCI on Thursday clarified that acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary is attending the ongoing ICC meeting in Singapore in his usual capacity as the world body's Board Director and not as a replacement for CEO Rahul Johri, who is battling allegations of sexual harassment.

The BCCI on Thursday clarified that acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary is attending the ongoing ICC meeting in Singapore in his usual capacity as the world body's Board Director and not as a replacement for CEO Rahul Johri, who is battling allegations of sexual harassment. Johri did not go to Singapore as he has been asked by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) to submit his response to the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by an anonymous person, claiming to be his ex-colleague. "Ever since it was decided that Mr. Rahul Johri would not attend the ICC-CEC meeting, an impression has been created that Mr. Amitabh Choudhary, Acting secretary BCCI, is being sent as a 'substitute' for Mr Johri," read the BCCI statement. "It must be noted Mr. Choudhary is a Director on the ICC Board of Directors, the highest ICC forum, for nearly two years now and has been representing India/BCCI at the meetings in his capacity as the ICC Board Director," read the BCCI statement. In Johri's absence, Choudhary, who was going to attend the ICC Board of Directors meeting, will also be part of the Chief Executives' meeting. "Choudhary was scheduled to attend the ICC Board of Directors meeting in the ongoing ICC conference even if Mr. Johri was going to attend the Chief Executives' meeting. "Owing to certain circumstances, Mr. Johri is not attending the current meeting, which is attended by the respective Chief Executives of the full member countries. Mr. Choudhary, is, therefore, only, additionally standing in for Mr. Johri," the statement added. Starting October 15, Johri has 14 days to present his response to the charges.

Not Johri's substitute: BCCI on Choudhary at ICC meeting

Board Control of Cricket in India(BCCI) CEO Rahul Johri, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, went on leave to prepare his reply on charges levelled against him.

In the wake of ongoing MeeToo movement where several women have come out in open against the harassment they faced by men in power and position, Johri was also accused of sexual assault by an unnamed woman on Twitter.&nbsp;

The accusation was put out on Twitter by another woman — she shared the accounts of a number of survivors of sexual assault, misconduct, and harassment by a "bunch of head honchos in media".

"Rahul Johari (sic), your #timesup," the woman who put out the accusations tweeted. &nbsp;

A little later, she said the press should not mention her tweets, nor embed them in their stories.&nbsp;

The woman alleged that Johri had asked her out for coffee, and after turning him down several times, she finally said yes.&nbsp;

She alleged that Midway through coffee, Johri told her they were going to his place. The victim says she thought Johri's wife, Seema, whom she had met once, would be at home. But she was not.&nbsp;

When she entered Johri's home in Gurgaon, she asked for water. But Johri began talking to her about hiring her as his second-in-command, the victim added in her post.&nbsp;

He then got up to get her water. When he came back, she says, he took off his pants, saying, "this is the last part of your interview with me", and then made her fellate him.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the cricket board had asked Johri to submit an explanation in this regard.

Board Control of Cricket in India(BCCI) CEO Rahul Johri, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, went on leave to prepare his reply on charges levelled against him.

Board Control of Cricket in India(BCCI) CEO Rahul Johri, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, went on leave to prepare his reply on charges levelled against him. In the wake of ongoing MeeToo movement where several women have come out in open against the harassment they faced by men in power and position, Johri was also accused of sexual assault by an unnamed woman on Twitter. The accusation was put out on Twitter by another woman — she shared the accounts of a number of survivors of sexual assault, misconduct, and harassment by a "bunch of head honchos in media". "Rahul Johari (sic), your #timesup," the woman who put out the accusations tweeted. A little later, she said the press should not mention her tweets, nor embed them in their stories. The woman alleged that Johri had asked her out for coffee, and after turning him down several times, she finally said yes. She alleged that Midway through coffee, Johri told her they were going to his place. The victim says she thought Johri's wife, Seema, whom she had met once, would be at home. But she was not. When she entered Johri's home in Gurgaon, she asked for water. But Johri began talking to her about hiring her as his second-in-command, the victim added in her post. He then got up to get her water. When he came back, she says, he took off his pants, saying, "this is the last part of your interview with me", and then made her fellate him. Meanwhile, the cricket board had asked Johri to submit an explanation in this regard.

#MeToo: BCCI CEO Rahul Johri goes on leave to prepare reply on sexual harassment charges

Though the me-too movement has taken the social media in India by storm a survey conducted by a leading newspaper and private firms reveals&nbsp;that the movement has not changed much on the ground.

The report states that about 70 per cent of women do not report such harassment cases.&nbsp;

In the year 2018, the National Women Commission has received only 718 complaints of harassment at the workplace.

The report also revealed that in the year 2017 the majority of sexual harassment cases at workplaces were reported in the Information and Technology sector.&nbsp;

The sector's share is a staggering 65 per cent.&nbsp;

About 40 per cent&nbsp;of the IT companies lack an internal complaints committee to probe harassment cases, the report said.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Though the me-too movement has taken the social media in India by storm a survey conducted by a leading newspaper and private firms reveals that the movement has not changed much on the ground.

Though the me-too movement has taken the social media in India by storm a survey conducted by a leading newspaper and private firms reveals that the movement has not changed much on the ground. The report states that about 70 per cent of women do not report such harassment cases. In the year 2018, the National Women Commission has received only 718 complaints of harassment at the workplace. The report also revealed that in the year 2017 the majority of sexual harassment cases at workplaces were reported in the Information and Technology sector. The sector's share is a staggering 65 per cent. About 40 per cent of the IT companies lack an internal complaints committee to probe harassment cases, the report said.

#MeToo: Most sexual harassment cases in India reported from IT sector

As the #MeToo storm rages in India with personalities from arts and politics being accused of sexual harassment by many women, actor-politician Kamal Haasan Monday said the cinema industry should not be singled out on this matter. 
 
When such charges are being levelled, both sides should be heard for their versions, he said. 
 
"Don't single out the cinema industry. We have to understand it (sexual harassment) is prevalent in all fields," he told reporters at the airport here. 
 
Actor Tanushree Dutta had recently levelled sexual harassment charges against veteran star Nana Patekar, with the incident being billed as the starting point of the Indian #MeToo movement, which originated in Hollywood in the U.S.

Subsequently, a host of celebrities, including Alok Nath, Subhash Ghai, Rajat Kapoor and Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu, besides serving and former journalists like Union Minister M J Akbar have been charged with sexual harassment by a number of women. 
 
The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder-president said women were coming out with "a problem" and if the accusations needed to be examined, it should be done. 
It was now widely believed across the world that if such things came out in the open, there would not be any future harassment, he said. 
 
To a query, Haasan said he said he is opposed to caste and that this was reflected in most of his films. 
 
On repeatedly being targeted by the ruling AIADMK, including its Ministers, over a number of issues, Haasan said "this shows I am progressing in the right direction." 
The actor-politician has been often critical of the K Palaniswami government on various issues, including corruption.

As the #MeToo storm rages in India with personalities from arts and politics being accused of sexual harassment by many women, actor-politician Kamal Haasan Monday said the cinema industry should not be singled out on this matter.

As the #MeToo storm rages in India with personalities from arts and politics being accused of sexual harassment by many women, actor-politician Kamal Haasan Monday said the cinema industry should not be singled out on this matter. When such charges are being levelled, both sides should be heard for their versions, he said. "Don't single out the cinema industry. We have to understand it (sexual harassment) is prevalent in all fields," he told reporters at the airport here. Actor Tanushree Dutta had recently levelled sexual harassment charges against veteran star Nana Patekar, with the incident being billed as the starting point of the Indian #MeToo movement, which originated in Hollywood in the U.S. Subsequently, a host of celebrities, including Alok Nath, Subhash Ghai, Rajat Kapoor and Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu, besides serving and former journalists like Union Minister M J Akbar have been charged with sexual harassment by a number of women. The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder-president said women were coming out with "a problem" and if the accusations needed to be examined, it should be done. It was now widely believed across the world that if such things came out in the open, there would not be any future harassment, he said. To a query, Haasan said he said he is opposed to caste and that this was reflected in most of his films. On repeatedly being targeted by the ruling AIADMK, including its Ministers, over a number of issues, Haasan said "this shows I am progressing in the right direction." The actor-politician has been often critical of the K Palaniswami government on various issues, including corruption.

Kamal Haasan on #MeToo movement: Don't single out the cinema industry

While Bollywood is trying to take cohesive steps at providing a safer environment for women to work in, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has been shielding actor Dileep who has been accused of planning the abduction and molestation of a Malayalam actress. &nbsp;The incident took place in February 2017.&nbsp; 
 
At a meeting held on Saturday by the women's body Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a few members had pointed out recent cases and examples to show how other film industries are reacting to sexual harassment allegations against one of their own. They pointed out that AMMA continues to defend Dilip despite growing protests among actresses in the Malayalam film industry. To this, AMMA secretary Siddiqui stated that exclusion of Dileep from AMMA was not a solution untill he was proven guilty. He stated that one shouldn't deny a person his profession based on mere accusations, reports a website. &nbsp;

“They wanted Dileep banned from movies. Who has the rights to deny a person his profession based on allegations?” asked Siddiqui as he addressed the press at a conference held on Monday by AMMA.&nbsp; 
 
Actress Rima Kalingal, a member of WCC, pointed the striking difference in the way other film bodies and AMMA were reacting towards cases of sexual harassment while director Anjali Menon cited CINTAA's action in the Alok Nath-Vinta Nanda row.&nbsp; 
 
Siddiqui responding to the examples cited said, “They gave examples of Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan. They said the actors decided to walk out of movies. But what Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan did was wrong. How could they do so based on allegations?”&nbsp; 
 
Both <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/housefull-4-sajid-khan-steps-down-as-director-akshay-kumar-says-wont-work-with-proven-offenders-171068">Akshay Kumar</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/metoo-aamir-khan-to-not-produce-gulshan-kumar-biopic-mogul-170858">Aamir Khan have refused to work</a> with Sajid Khan and Subhash Kapoor- both accused of sexual assault and harassment by actresses.&nbsp; 
 
"Let’s say, on the other hand, if Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan were accused of sexual harassment, do you think they would have walked out of the said projects?” Siddiqui reasoned.<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-dileep-wont-return-to-amma-till-name-gets-cleared-after-top-malayalam-actresses-complain-147791"> Also read:&nbsp;Won't return to AMMA till name gets cleared, says Dileep after top Malayalam actresses complain</a> 
 
Incidentally, the survivor of sexual assault in the February 2017 case, in her resignation letter to AMMA had stated that Dileep had blocked a lot of work opportunities that came to her. “When I complained to AMMA, no serious measures were taken then,” stated the survivor, adding, “When I recently had a bad experience, the organisation, of which I am also a part of, went on to protect him,” she had said.

While Bollywood is trying to take cohesive steps at providing a safer environment for women to work in, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has been shielding actor Dileep who has been accused of planning the abduction and molestation of a Malayalam actress.

While Bollywood is trying to take cohesive steps at providing a safer environment for women to work in, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has been shielding actor Dileep who has been accused of planning the abduction and molestation of a Malayalam actress. The incident took place in February 2017. At a meeting held on Saturday by the women's body Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a few members had pointed out recent cases and examples to show how other film industries are reacting to sexual harassment allegations against one of their own. They pointed out that AMMA continues to defend Dilip despite growing protests among actresses in the Malayalam film industry. To this, AMMA secretary Siddiqui stated that exclusion of Dileep from AMMA was not a solution untill he was proven guilty. He stated that one shouldn't deny a person his profession based on mere accusations, reports a website. “They wanted Dileep banned from movies. Who has the rights to deny a person his profession based on allegations?” asked Siddiqui as he addressed the press at a conference held on Monday by AMMA. Actress Rima Kalingal, a member of WCC, pointed the striking difference in the way other film bodies and AMMA were reacting towards cases of sexual harassment while director Anjali Menon cited CINTAA's action in the Alok Nath-Vinta Nanda row. Siddiqui responding to the examples cited said, “They gave examples of Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan. They said the actors decided to walk out of movies. But what Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan did was wrong. How could they do so based on allegations?” Both Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan have refused to work with Sajid Khan and Subhash Kapoor- both accused of sexual assault and harassment by actresses. "Let’s say, on the other hand, if Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan were accused of sexual harassment, do you think they would have walked out of the said projects?” Siddiqui reasoned. Also read: Won't return to AMMA till name gets cleared, says Dileep after top Malayalam actresses complain Incidentally, the survivor of sexual assault in the February 2017 case, in her resignation letter to AMMA had stated that Dileep had blocked a lot of work opportunities that came to her. “When I complained to AMMA, no serious measures were taken then,” stated the survivor, adding, “When I recently had a bad experience, the organisation, of which I am also a part of, went on to protect him,” she had said.

Malayalam Cine Body slams Akshay, Aamir for leaving projects in wake of #MeToo

In the swirling waters of the MeToo Movement that have reached India, the rules of engagement on conduct involving women and men are being rewritten in ways that would hopefully make the country a safer place for women. Only three months ago, a Reuters global poll based on a survey of experts said India was the "most dangerous" country for women and that did not go too well with the establishment.&nbsp;

Now that the US-born movement, where women take to social media to 'out' alleged perpetrators of sexual harassment, has become mainstream in India with many famous men turning notorious, it is time to see the writing on the wall.

There are many ifs and buts in this because India has changed very fast with the rise of education, awareness, democratic beliefs, economic growth and last but not least, the internet. The harsh reality is that only a few years ago, both men and women spoke in hushed whispers about the sexual escapades, shenanigans and exploitation of powerful people in politics, media and Bollywood, but possibly with different worldviews. 
 
While it is increasingly clear that most woman victims did not speak out of fear, concern for personal safety/jobs/careers or the helpless power structure they were dealing with, for many men, this seemed to be part of what was perceived to be normal in varying degrees of acceptability. That is changing. Today, there is a new normal. The trophies of yesterday have become the scars of today.&nbsp;

The combination of social media and long memories is proving to be embarrassing for many.

I&nbsp;am surprised but not shocked that Union Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar, a journalistic icon for many of our generation including myself, is not resigning but combating accusations of sexual harassment or misdemeanour during his days as a rockstar newspaper editor. Surprised, because I thought there was sufficient circumstantial evidence from more than a dozen women to suggest that it was important for him to at least not hold on to a public office. Surprised because there is enough talk of clean public conduct from the BJP-led government to have included a concern for widespread public outrage.

However, on deeper introspection, there are reasons why the BJP may drag its feet -- or for that matter any political party. On the one hand, there are issues related to personal and public morality in which what happens in the personal sphere may not be uniformly or immediately brought into question in matters concerning public posts. On the other hand, and this is realpolitik, there is the issue of a precedent that might be set in a resignation.

The open secret is that there are men in every leading political party whose personal lives and conduct are dubious. If a politically dispensable minister is forced to resign on grounds of sexual misconduct, the day may not be far off when a woman or two or three will speak out against another whose political clout based on caste, popularity or other vote-catching abilities is significant. Now, which party would want to get rid of a vote-catcher? Every party will pay lip service or protest in differing degrees of outrage. The top leaders will murmur, one or two spokespersons will be more forthright, and some will talk in generalities.&nbsp;

It is also a harsh fact that there are social and economic realities in India that make men historically powerful, and that cannot be wished away. If even getting women to rule from panchayat posts is difficult, it is more difficult to imagine power equations to change overnight on matters of sexual misconduct.&nbsp;

As of now, there is no visibly significant outrage against sexual misconduct in the vast hinterland of India. Allegations against lyricist Vairamuthu in Tamil Nadu are just drops in the ocean of India's state politics. Only the naive would believe other states do not have widespread instances of alleged misconduct. South Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore are pockets of resistance -- or maybe they represent the vanguard of a revolution in the making. What they used to say in India vs Bharat argument -- about urban India flourishing while rural India is left behind -- can be stretched here. History, privilege, poverty, caste and gender have to be considered together to get an idea of the immensity of the issue. I recommend director Shyam Benegal's classic, Nishant as an educative movie on this subject.

Only time will tell us how the meeting of an irresistible force against an immovable object shapes up in precise terms, but my guess is that we are headed for reform, not revolution. Slowly but steadily, voices will spring up against misconduct even in the hinterland, inspired and egged on by women who have stood up to be counted. But in the immediate term, both workplaces and political culture will need a rebooting of attitudes and beliefs, and that is likely to happen in a measured pace. Even the best of men may have to learn a lot, as we are discovering from outpourings of feelings and experiences.

There is also the matter of jurisprudence in which legal technicalities will play out as court cases grind on because a presumption of innocence until there is proof of guilt, is normal in a healthy democracy. Everything from the dates of alleged misconduct, the precise law under which it needs to be examined, the demand for stay orders and the levels of the judiciary will matter in the scheme of things. 
 
If shaming public figures is a punishment, a lot has already happened. If better conduct across India in professional and public life matters, there is a long way to go.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/metoo-has-arrived-in-india-but-yet-to-reach-bharat-may-start-reform-not-revolution-2148826.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

In the swirling waters of the MeToo Movement that have reached India, the rules of engagement on conduct involving women and men are being rewritten in ways that would hopefully make the country a safer place for women.

In the swirling waters of the MeToo Movement that have reached India, the rules of engagement on conduct involving women and men are being rewritten in ways that would hopefully make the country a safer place for women. Only three months ago, a Reuters global poll based on a survey of experts said India was the "most dangerous" country for women and that did not go too well with the establishment. Now that the US-born movement, where women take to social media to 'out' alleged perpetrators of sexual harassment, has become mainstream in India with many famous men turning notorious, it is time to see the writing on the wall. There are many ifs and buts in this because India has changed very fast with the rise of education, awareness, democratic beliefs, economic growth and last but not least, the internet. The harsh reality is that only a few years ago, both men and women spoke in hushed whispers about the sexual escapades, shenanigans and exploitation of powerful people in politics, media and Bollywood, but possibly with different worldviews. While it is increasingly clear that most woman victims did not speak out of fear, concern for personal safety/jobs/careers or the helpless power structure they were dealing with, for many men, this seemed to be part of what was perceived to be normal in varying degrees of acceptability. That is changing. Today, there is a new normal. The trophies of yesterday have become the scars of today. The combination of social media and long memories is proving to be embarrassing for many. I am surprised but not shocked that Union Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar, a journalistic icon for many of our generation including myself, is not resigning but combating accusations of sexual harassment or misdemeanour during his days as a rockstar newspaper editor. Surprised, because I thought there was sufficient circumstantial evidence from more than a dozen women to suggest that it was important for him to at least not hold on to a public office. Surprised because there is enough talk of clean public conduct from the BJP-led government to have included a concern for widespread public outrage. However, on deeper introspection, there are reasons why the BJP may drag its feet -- or for that matter any political party. On the one hand, there are issues related to personal and public morality in which what happens in the personal sphere may not be uniformly or immediately brought into question in matters concerning public posts. On the other hand, and this is realpolitik, there is the issue of a precedent that might be set in a resignation. The open secret is that there are men in every leading political party whose personal lives and conduct are dubious. If a politically dispensable minister is forced to resign on grounds of sexual misconduct, the day may not be far off when a woman or two or three will speak out against another whose political clout based on caste, popularity or other vote-catching abilities is significant. Now, which party would want to get rid of a vote-catcher? Every party will pay lip service or protest in differing degrees of outrage. The top leaders will murmur, one or two spokespersons will be more forthright, and some will talk in generalities. It is also a harsh fact that there are social and economic realities in India that make men historically powerful, and that cannot be wished away. If even getting women to rule from panchayat posts is difficult, it is more difficult to imagine power equations to change overnight on matters of sexual misconduct. As of now, there is no visibly significant outrage against sexual misconduct in the vast hinterland of India. Allegations against lyricist Vairamuthu in Tamil Nadu are just drops in the ocean of India's state politics. Only the naive would believe other states do not have widespread instances of alleged misconduct. South Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore are pockets of resistance -- or maybe they represent the vanguard of a revolution in the making. What they used to say in India vs Bharat argument -- about urban India flourishing while rural India is left behind -- can be stretched here. History, privilege, poverty, caste and gender have to be considered together to get an idea of the immensity of the issue. I recommend director Shyam Benegal's classic, Nishant as an educative movie on this subject. Only time will tell us how the meeting of an irresistible force against an immovable object shapes up in precise terms, but my guess is that we are headed for reform, not revolution. Slowly but steadily, voices will spring up against misconduct even in the hinterland, inspired and egged on by women who have stood up to be counted. But in the immediate term, both workplaces and political culture will need a rebooting of attitudes and beliefs, and that is likely to happen in a measured pace. Even the best of men may have to learn a lot, as we are discovering from outpourings of feelings and experiences. There is also the matter of jurisprudence in which legal technicalities will play out as court cases grind on because a presumption of innocence until there is proof of guilt, is normal in a healthy democracy. Everything from the dates of alleged misconduct, the precise law under which it needs to be examined, the demand for stay orders and the levels of the judiciary will matter in the scheme of things. If shaming public figures is a punishment, a lot has already happened. If better conduct across India in professional and public life matters, there is a long way to go. (This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

#MeToo has arrived in India, but yet to reach Bharat

For good or for bad, the #MeToo movement is here to stay in India. The movement is being celebrated by many as a way to name and shame powerful men who in past got away with impunity because of the might they hold in the public sphere. 
 
Obviously, it is less about the legal recourse and more about naming and shaming the famous so that they stay away from the position of power. The movement has been able to check upon powerful men but has raised many moral and ethical questions. The movement has shown the fragility of gender politics in India. It has also proved that social conservatism in the Indian society has become a strong political constituency and any social reform, whether it flows from social media or courts, will have to face the wall of strong conservative networking.

Foremost, #MeToo has exposed powerful men who have exploited women. The end result is naming and shaming of an individual. It makes an individual a social outcast whereby he loses his position of power, reemployment and reintegration in the society. The modern law is about justice and not revenge. Most importantly, the modern law on crime does not end with punishment. It ends with reform and rehabilitation. It also includes men who have committed heinous crimes like rape and murder. So, it is absolutely right to call out men who have crushed spirits of young women, but it is also worthwhile to reflect as to where the naming and shaming must end. Is the perpetrator an outcast in perpetuity or will he get an avenue to mainstream in the society once his naming and shaming in public is over? This is the first issue which the movement will need to address in long run.

It will also have to differentiate between those making charges under real identities with those who have posted emails anonymously on social media. The movement will also have to differentiate between score-settling, indiscretion, harassment, proposition and sexual harassment in the workplace and non-work areas. This is not to belittle the importance of the #MeToo. The movement needs to ensure that it does not get hijacked by personal agendas.

The #MeToo movement also shows that gender as an axis of politics continues to remain weak in India. It gets divided on the issue of caste, liberal politics, urban-rural and class divide. The inability of any government of the day to pass quotas for women in Parliament is a representation of failure of gender as a political identity. Even today, gender politics remain limited to softer issues. The sexual violence in rural India is a weapon used by upper and dominant castes to express power. The domestic servants face sexual harassment because they are underprivileged and have no access to quick justice. Most of the women who have dared to make allegations without hiding their identity are those who have been able to break into male bastions in work areas.&nbsp;

It remains the tip of an iceberg. Millions of women in rural and many other sectors continue to face the sexual violence of worst kind and that focus must not be lost by gender movement.

Today it also runs the risk of being drowned under the narrative of salacious gossip about people around us instead of addressing the issue of misogyny and male gaze which sees women as a sexual object and refuses to accept competent women as boss.

The unfortunate part is that in India, it is also being reduced to a fight between the liberal section of the society and government of the present day. So, even if the charges are true they lose moral underpinning because those making the charge are considered to be part of a world which is known as the Liberal Order. It not only undercuts the importance of gender as a perspective but also undermines it in front of older identities like caste, community and class.

Lastly, it brings us to the question of what #MeToo has exposed apart from men who have been crossed boundaries frequently. It shows that social conservatives have moved to the centre of Indian politics whereas liberal tradition has become confined to some academic institutions and the judiciary. The liberal idea is rooted in the expression of freedom of an individual which stands above the predatory Right of Community and the state. It celebrates the power of an individual thought, liberty and its expression.

Today, It is getting subsumed under the narrative of victimisation of the majority community by liberals who are disconnected from the daily rhythm of Indian life. The response against it has also become electoral too. But that’s only one part of it. It is not without reason that adultery, Section 377, Aadhaar, Jallikattu and Sabarimala came under attack from the far right. Jallikatu was overruled by the legislative branch of the state and Sabrimala verdict is being challenged by the conservative constituency fueled by both BJP and Congress in the name of victimisation of Hindu custom and traditions. &nbsp;Section 377 and adultery were met with a mute response from the central government.

The mask of liberalness has been dropped by the far Right. Till Vajpayee, the right noises were made by the BJP. Today, social conservatism is a pampered political constituency which #MeToo will discover quickly. It was unpampered, but politically accommodated constituency within the Congress from its inception days.&nbsp;

Today social conservatism has received political legitimacy through electoral performance and for this reason, #MeToo, which is an expression of a liberal tradition will meet its toughest challenge as it would prioritise community, state, honour and tradition over individual voice. It has become a self-sufficient political constituency.

The irony is that this gender battle has exposed the weakness of the liberal politics in India.

The liberal constituency at the time of birth of the nation was supported by millions of Indians whereas far Right was opposed to massive social reforms. The liberal tradition even accommodated social conservatives in the Congress. Today, the far right has merged into social conservatives. The social conservatives have left Congress behind. Liberals have become elites disconnected from the society and social conservatives have become the moral beacon of traditional social order. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

For good or for bad, the #MeToo movement is here to stay in India. The movement is being celebrated by many as a way to name and shame powerful men who in past got away with impunity because of the might they hold in the public sphere.

For good or for bad, the #MeToo movement is here to stay in India. The movement is being celebrated by many as a way to name and shame powerful men who in past got away with impunity because of the might they hold in the public sphere. Obviously, it is less about the legal recourse and more about naming and shaming the famous so that they stay away from the position of power. The movement has been able to check upon powerful men but has raised many moral and ethical questions. The movement has shown the fragility of gender politics in India. It has also proved that social conservatism in the Indian society has become a strong political constituency and any social reform, whether it flows from social media or courts, will have to face the wall of strong conservative networking. Foremost, #MeToo has exposed powerful men who have exploited women. The end result is naming and shaming of an individual. It makes an individual a social outcast whereby he loses his position of power, reemployment and reintegration in the society. The modern law is about justice and not revenge. Most importantly, the modern law on crime does not end with punishment. It ends with reform and rehabilitation. It also includes men who have committed heinous crimes like rape and murder. So, it is absolutely right to call out men who have crushed spirits of young women, but it is also worthwhile to reflect as to where the naming and shaming must end. Is the perpetrator an outcast in perpetuity or will he get an avenue to mainstream in the society once his naming and shaming in public is over? This is the first issue which the movement will need to address in long run. It will also have to differentiate between those making charges under real identities with those who have posted emails anonymously on social media. The movement will also have to differentiate between score-settling, indiscretion, harassment, proposition and sexual harassment in the workplace and non-work areas. This is not to belittle the importance of the #MeToo. The movement needs to ensure that it does not get hijacked by personal agendas. The #MeToo movement also shows that gender as an axis of politics continues to remain weak in India. It gets divided on the issue of caste, liberal politics, urban-rural and class divide. The inability of any government of the day to pass quotas for women in Parliament is a representation of failure of gender as a political identity. Even today, gender politics remain limited to softer issues. The sexual violence in rural India is a weapon used by upper and dominant castes to express power. The domestic servants face sexual harassment because they are underprivileged and have no access to quick justice. Most of the women who have dared to make allegations without hiding their identity are those who have been able to break into male bastions in work areas. It remains the tip of an iceberg. Millions of women in rural and many other sectors continue to face the sexual violence of worst kind and that focus must not be lost by gender movement. Today it also runs the risk of being drowned under the narrative of salacious gossip about people around us instead of addressing the issue of misogyny and male gaze which sees women as a sexual object and refuses to accept competent women as boss. The unfortunate part is that in India, it is also being reduced to a fight between the liberal section of the society and government of the present day. So, even if the charges are true they lose moral underpinning because those making the charge are considered to be part of a world which is known as the Liberal Order. It not only undercuts the importance of gender as a perspective but also undermines it in front of older identities like caste, community and class. Lastly, it brings us to the question of what #MeToo has exposed apart from men who have been crossed boundaries frequently. It shows that social conservatives have moved to the centre of Indian politics whereas liberal tradition has become confined to some academic institutions and the judiciary. The liberal idea is rooted in the expression of freedom of an individual which stands above the predatory Right of Community and the state. It celebrates the power of an individual thought, liberty and its expression. Today, It is getting subsumed under the narrative of victimisation of the majority community by liberals who are disconnected from the daily rhythm of Indian life. The response against it has also become electoral too. But that’s only one part of it. It is not without reason that adultery, Section 377, Aadhaar, Jallikattu and Sabarimala came under attack from the far right. Jallikatu was overruled by the legislative branch of the state and Sabrimala verdict is being challenged by the conservative constituency fueled by both BJP and Congress in the name of victimisation of Hindu custom and traditions. Section 377 and adultery were met with a mute response from the central government. The mask of liberalness has been dropped by the far Right. Till Vajpayee, the right noises were made by the BJP. Today, social conservatism is a pampered political constituency which #MeToo will discover quickly. It was unpampered, but politically accommodated constituency within the Congress from its inception days. Today social conservatism has received political legitimacy through electoral performance and for this reason, #MeToo, which is an expression of a liberal tradition will meet its toughest challenge as it would prioritise community, state, honour and tradition over individual voice. It has become a self-sufficient political constituency. The irony is that this gender battle has exposed the weakness of the liberal politics in India. The liberal constituency at the time of birth of the nation was supported by millions of Indians whereas far Right was opposed to massive social reforms. The liberal tradition even accommodated social conservatives in the Congress. Today, the far right has merged into social conservatives. The social conservatives have left Congress behind. Liberals have become elites disconnected from the society and social conservatives have become the moral beacon of traditional social order. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The anatomy of #MeToo movement and Indian politics

Actor Alok Nath has refuted all the allegations levied against him in response to a notice issued by CIne and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) . &nbsp; 
 
Earlier, Alok and his wife Ashu Alok Nath<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/metoo-alok-nath-files-defamation-suit-against-vinta-nanda-who-accused-him-of-raping-her-171255"> had filed a defamation case in Andheri court against accuser Vinta Nanda</a>, seeking directions for Amboli police to take cognisance of their complaint filed on October 12.&nbsp; 
 
It also sought an investigation into the matter under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC) section 155 and sections 499, 500, 34 and 114 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). 
This comes less than a week after Nanda narrated her ordeal on Facebook amidst the ongoing #MeToo movement."I hadn`t just been raped, I was taken to my own house and had been brutalised," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sanskaari-alok-nath-accused-of-rape-by-woman-filmmaker-170341">she had written in reference to the `most </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sanskaari-alok-nath-accused-of-rape-by-woman-filmmaker-170341">sanskari</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sanskaari-alok-nath-accused-of-rape-by-woman-filmmaker-170341"> person in the industry`.</a> 
 
Nanda was the writer and producer of teleserial `Tara` in the 90s, in which Nath played a lead role. In her post, Nanda also alleged that Alok Nath harassed her lead actress.Bollywood actors Sandhya Mridul and Deepika Amin also accused Alok Nath of rowdy behaviour and shared their ordeals on social media. 
 
In the wake of the allegations, the Indian Film and Television Directors` Association (IFTDA) issued a notice to the veteran actor, seeking his stand on the rape allegations made against him. 
 
The #MeToo movement gained momentum in India after Tanushree Dutta accused veteran actor Nana Patekar of harassment. Following the revelation, similar cases have tumbled out, rattling the media industry.&nbsp;

Actor Alok Nath has refuted all the allegations levied against him in response to a notice issued by CIne and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) . Earlier, Alok and his wife Ashu Alok Nath had filed a defamation case in Andheri court against accuser Vinta Nanda, seeking directions for Amboli police to take cognisance of their complaint filed on October 12.

Actor Alok Nath has refuted all the allegations levied against him in response to a notice issued by CIne and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) . Earlier, Alok and his wife Ashu Alok Nath had filed a defamation case in Andheri court against accuser Vinta Nanda, seeking directions for Amboli police to take cognisance of their complaint filed on October 12. It also sought an investigation into the matter under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC) section 155 and sections 499, 500, 34 and 114 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This comes less than a week after Nanda narrated her ordeal on Facebook amidst the ongoing #MeToo movement."I hadn`t just been raped, I was taken to my own house and had been brutalised," she had written in reference to the `most sanskari person in the industry`. Nanda was the writer and producer of teleserial `Tara` in the 90s, in which Nath played a lead role. In her post, Nanda also alleged that Alok Nath harassed her lead actress.Bollywood actors Sandhya Mridul and Deepika Amin also accused Alok Nath of rowdy behaviour and shared their ordeals on social media. In the wake of the allegations, the Indian Film and Television Directors` Association (IFTDA) issued a notice to the veteran actor, seeking his stand on the rape allegations made against him. The #MeToo movement gained momentum in India after Tanushree Dutta accused veteran actor Nana Patekar of harassment. Following the revelation, similar cases have tumbled out, rattling the media industry.

Alok Nath responds to CINTAA, denies allegations

The actor Kate Sharma has filed a police complaint in Mumbai against the filmmaker <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/metoo-director-subhash-ghai-accused-of-raping-a-woman-he-denies-allegations-171033">Subhash Ghai</a>.&nbsp;

In her police complaint, Sharma said Ghai called her to his home on August 6.&nbsp;

There were five to six people there, she said.&nbsp;In front of all of them, she added, Ghai asked her to massage him.&nbsp;

News reports quoted Sharma as saying in her complaint that she was shocked but because she respected Ghai's seniority, she massaged him for a few minutes.&nbsp;

Then she went to the bathroom to wash her hands.&nbsp;

Sharma says Ghai followed her, called her to his room to talk, and then tried to kiss her.&nbsp;

The reports quoted Sharma as saying she told Ghai she wanted to leave but he threatened her, saying he would not launch her if she did not stay the night.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, Ghai tweeted that he was a "grt supporter d metoo movement but hope that those taking undue advantage of the movement do not end up diluting it 4their own short time fame".&nbsp;

"I feel grief if some one trying 2harm &nbsp;my reputation.&nbsp;Any way my lawyers will take care of matter," he added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am surely a grt supporter of d metoo movement n women empowerment bt hope that those taking undue advantage of the movement do not end up diluting it 4their own short time fame. 
I feel grief if some one trying 2harm my reputation.Any way my lawyers will take care of matter
— Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) <a href="https://twitter.com/SubhashGhai1/status/1051307163002515456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

An unnamed woman accused Ghai on social media last week of having raped her. In the post — tweeted by the writer and poet Mahima Kukreja — the woman accused Ghai of spiking her drink, taking her to a hotel, and raping her there.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
TW: drugging and raping. About Shubash Ghai. Told personally by the woman who faced the trauma. She’s also a very credible media/lit personality. (2/2) <a href="https://t.co/YVMRZSpQc6">pic.twitter.com/YVMRZSpQc6</a>
— Mahima Kukreja 🌱🌈✊🏽 (@AGirlOfHerWords) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGirlOfHerWords/status/1050372532761702403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It is sad that it is becoming a fashion to malign anyone known, bringing some stories from past without any truth or blown up false allegations if all. I deny strictly and firmly all false allegations like these," the 73-year-old Ghai told PTI then.&nbsp;

"If she claims this way, she should go to the court of law and prove it. Justice will be done or I will go for defamation certainly," he added.

The actor Kate Sharma has filed a police complaint in Mumbai against the filmmaker Subhash Ghai. In her police complaint, Sharma said Ghai called her to his home on August 6.

The actor Kate Sharma has filed a police complaint in Mumbai against the filmmaker Subhash Ghai. In her police complaint, Sharma said Ghai called her to his home on August 6. There were five to six people there, she said. In front of all of them, she added, Ghai asked her to massage him. News reports quoted Sharma as saying in her complaint that she was shocked but because she respected Ghai's seniority, she massaged him for a few minutes. Then she went to the bathroom to wash her hands. Sharma says Ghai followed her, called her to his room to talk, and then tried to kiss her. The reports quoted Sharma as saying she told Ghai she wanted to leave but he threatened her, saying he would not launch her if she did not stay the night. On Sunday morning, Ghai tweeted that he was a "grt supporter d metoo movement but hope that those taking undue advantage of the movement do not end up diluting it 4their own short time fame". "I feel grief if some one trying 2harm my reputation. Any way my lawyers will take care of matter," he added. I am surely a grt supporter of d metoo movement n women empowerment bt hope that those taking undue advantage of the movement do not end up diluting it 4their own short time fame. I feel grief if some one trying 2harm my reputation.Any way my lawyers will take care of matter — Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) October 14, 2018 × An unnamed woman accused Ghai on social media last week of having raped her. In the post — tweeted by the writer and poet Mahima Kukreja — the woman accused Ghai of spiking her drink, taking her to a hotel, and raping her there. TW: drugging and raping. About Shubash Ghai. Told personally by the woman who faced the trauma. She’s also a very credible media/lit personality. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/YVMRZSpQc6 — Mahima Kukreja 🌱🌈✊🏽 (@AGirlOfHerWords) October 11, 2018 × "It is sad that it is becoming a fashion to malign anyone known, bringing some stories from past without any truth or blown up false allegations if all. I deny strictly and firmly all false allegations like these," the 73-year-old Ghai told PTI then. "If she claims this way, she should go to the court of law and prove it. Justice will be done or I will go for defamation certainly," he added.

#MeToo: Actor Kate Sharma accuses Subhash Ghai of sexual harassment

With India's #MeToo movement growing bigger and bigger, celebrity hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani has pointed a finger of accusation at Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.&nbsp;

Bachchan had been getting a lot of flak ever since he'd been asked for his take on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tanushree-duttas-lawyer-calls-for-narco-lie-detector-test-on-nana-patekar-ganesh-acharya-171330">Tanushree Dutta-Nana Patekar controversy</a>. He had said then that he was neither Dutta, nor Patekar, and he therefore did not understand why he was being asked for his views on the subject.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-mj-akbar-to-return-today-pm-modi-to-take-final-call-on-his-continuance-sources-171362">MJ Akbar returns, party sources say Modi to take </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-mj-akbar-to-return-today-pm-modi-to-take-final-call-on-his-continuance-sources-171362">final</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-mj-akbar-to-return-today-pm-modi-to-take-final-call-on-his-continuance-sources-171362"> call on his continuance as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-mj-akbar-to-return-today-pm-modi-to-take-final-call-on-his-continuance-sources-171362">minister</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/no-woman-should-be-subjected-to-any-kind-of-misbehaviour-says-amitabh-bachchan-on-birthday-170815">Bachchan finally commented on the #MeToo movement</a> in an interview conducted on his 76th birthday on October 11.

"No woman should ever be subjected to any kind of misbehaviour, or disorderly conduct, especially at her work place. Such acts should immediately be brought to the notice of concerned authorities, and corrective measures be taken, either through filing complaints or a recourse to law. 
Discipline and civic, social and moral curriculums, should be adopted at a very educational level. Women children and the weaker sections of our society are the most vulnerable. They need to be under special protective care. It has been most heartening to see women representations in most work vocations, on the increase in our country. It would be an unrepairable blemish if we are not able to provide them the welcome they deserve and the dignity of the security of their presence," Bachchan said in the interview.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nana-patekar-avoids-commenting-on-tanushree-duttas-allegations-says-what-is-true-today-will-remain-true-always-170241">Nana Patekar avoids commenting on Tanushree Dutta's allegations; says 'What is true today will remain true always'</a>

"This has to be the biggest lie ever," Bhavnani responded on Twitter. "Sir the film Pink has released and gone and your image of being an activist will soon too. Your truth will come out very soon. Hope you are biting your hands cuz nails will not be enough."

"Have personally heard so many stories of Bachchan’s sexual misconduct and I I hope those women come out. His hypocrisy is sooooo tired,"&nbsp;Bhavnani wrote in another tweet.&nbsp;

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This has to be the biggest lie ever. Sir the film Pink has released and gone and your image of being an activist will soon too. Your truth will come out very soon. Hope you are biting your hands cuz nails will not be enough. <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SrBachchan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Metoo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeTooIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeTooIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/comeoutwomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#comeoutwomen</a> <a href="https://t.co/gMQXoRtPW3">https://t.co/gMQXoRtPW3</a>
— Sapna Moti Bhavnani (@sapnabhavnani) <a href="https://twitter.com/sapnabhavnani/status/1050334929664524288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Have personally heard so many stories of Bachchan’s sexual misconduct and I I hope those women come out. His hypocrisy is sooooo tired. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Metoo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeTooIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeTooIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/2BpumLoYlF">https://t.co/2BpumLoYlF</a>
— Sapna Moti Bhavnani (@sapnabhavnani) <a href="https://twitter.com/sapnabhavnani/status/1050333949250158592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Since Dutta first accused Patekar of misconduct, the #MeToo floodgates have opened in India and woman after woman has come out and accused the high and mighty of sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct. The list of men named and shamed so far has included the actor Alok Nath who has been accused of rape, the filmmaker Subhash Ghai who has also been accused of rape, India's junior&nbsp;foreign minister MJ Akbar who has been accused of sexual assault, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/coa-of-bcci-asks-rahul-johri-to-submit-explanation-over-sexual-harassment-allegations-171301"> BCCI CEO Rahul Johr</a>i who has been accused of assault, the Sri Lankan cricketers Arjuna Ranatunga and Lasith Malinga, the Queen director Vikas Bahl, the filmmaker <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/metoo-i-was-told-by-all-not-to-say-anything-to-him-says-bipasha-basu-for-sajid-khan-171299">Sajid Khan</a>, the actors Rajat Kapoor and Rohit Roy, and the former Times of India and DNA editor Gautam Adhikari.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

With India's #MeToo movement growing bigger and bigger, celebrity hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani has pointed a finger of accusation at Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

With India's #MeToo movement growing bigger and bigger, celebrity hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani has pointed a finger of accusation at Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Bachchan had been getting a lot of flak ever since he'd been asked for his take on the Tanushree Dutta-Nana Patekar controversy. He had said then that he was neither Dutta, nor Patekar, and he therefore did not understand why he was being asked for his views on the subject. Also read: MJ Akbar returns, party sources say Modi to take final call on his continuance as minister Bachchan finally commented on the #MeToo movement in an interview conducted on his 76th birthday on October 11. "No woman should ever be subjected to any kind of misbehaviour, or disorderly conduct, especially at her work place. Such acts should immediately be brought to the notice of concerned authorities, and corrective measures be taken, either through filing complaints or a recourse to law. Discipline and civic, social and moral curriculums, should be adopted at a very educational level. Women children and the weaker sections of our society are the most vulnerable. They need to be under special protective care. It has been most heartening to see women representations in most work vocations, on the increase in our country. It would be an unrepairable blemish if we are not able to provide them the welcome they deserve and the dignity of the security of their presence," Bachchan said in the interview. Also read: Nana Patekar avoids commenting on Tanushree Dutta's allegations; says 'What is true today will remain true always' "This has to be the biggest lie ever," Bhavnani responded on Twitter. "Sir the film Pink has released and gone and your image of being an activist will soon too. Your truth will come out very soon. Hope you are biting your hands cuz nails will not be enough." "Have personally heard so many stories of Bachchan’s sexual misconduct and I I hope those women come out. His hypocrisy is sooooo tired," Bhavnani wrote in another tweet. This has to be the biggest lie ever. Sir the film Pink has released and gone and your image of being an activist will soon too. Your truth will come out very soon. Hope you are biting your hands cuz nails will not be enough. @SrBachchan #Metoo #MeTooIndia #comeoutwomen https://t.co/gMQXoRtPW3 — Sapna Moti Bhavnani (@sapnabhavnani) October 11, 2018 × Have personally heard so many stories of Bachchan’s sexual misconduct and I I hope those women come out. His hypocrisy is sooooo tired. #Metoo #MeTooIndia https://t.co/2BpumLoYlF — Sapna Moti Bhavnani (@sapnabhavnani) October 11, 2018 × Since Dutta first accused Patekar of misconduct, the #MeToo floodgates have opened in India and woman after woman has come out and accused the high and mighty of sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct. The list of men named and shamed so far has included the actor Alok Nath who has been accused of rape, the filmmaker Subhash Ghai who has also been accused of rape, India's junior foreign minister MJ Akbar who has been accused of sexual assault, the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri who has been accused of assault, the Sri Lankan cricketers Arjuna Ranatunga and Lasith Malinga, the Queen director Vikas Bahl, the filmmaker Sajid Khan, the actors Rajat Kapoor and Rohit Roy, and the former Times of India and DNA editor Gautam Adhikari.

#MeToo: Celebrity hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani points finger of accusation at Amitabh Bachchan

While #MeToo movement is picking momentum in India, Adhyayan Suman has posted a series of tweets saying that when he shared his story, he was humiliated and shamed.

The 'Raaz: The Mystery Continues' actor began by tweeting, "A lot of people asking me to share my #metoo story..I am sorry but when I did that 2 years ago I was shamed and humiliated."

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A lot of people asking me to share my <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#metoo</a> story..iam sorry but when I did that 2 years ago I was shamed and humiliated...my parents whom I love the most had to listen to some obscene things on National tv ..I was clearly told that a guy with a failed career doesn’t
— adhyayen suman (@AdhyayanSsuman) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdhyayanSsuman/status/1050746328832204806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Revealing that he faced a lot of criticism for sharing his story, Adhyayan wrote, "My parents whom I love the most had to listen to some obscene things on National tv ..I was clearly told that a guy with a failed career doesn't. Have the right to share his painfull and dark experience. The handful of people who supported me I thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

The actor also added that he hopes that the people who are getting a chance to share their experiences, get a closure and should not get judged like he was. 
"And I am happy that at least this movement is giving a chance to all the people who have had to suppress their dark and depressing experiences for so long ..I hope all these people at least get their closure without being judged the way I was!" he concluded.

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Have the right to share his pain full and dark experience.The handful of people who supported me I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. And I am happy that at lest this moment is giving a chance to all the people who have had to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a>
— adhyayen suman (@AdhyayanSsuman) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdhyayanSsuman/status/1050746333227823105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in 2016, Adhyayan Suman had accused his ex-girlfriend Kangana Ranaut of torturing and abusing him, when they were together.

Almost a year after the #MeToo movement upended Hollywood, it arrived in India recently with a number of women accusing men of sexual misconduct and harassment.

The movement has taken the Bollywood industry by storm with the likes of Tanushree Dutta, Sandhya Mridul, Vinta Nanda opening up about the harassment they suffered at the hands of men.&nbsp;

While #MeToo movement is picking momentum in India, Adhyayan Suman has posted a series of tweets saying that when he shared his story, he was humiliated and shamed.

While #MeToo movement is picking momentum in India, Adhyayan Suman has posted a series of tweets saying that when he shared his story, he was humiliated and shamed. The 'Raaz: The Mystery Continues' actor began by tweeting, "A lot of people asking me to share my #metoo story..I am sorry but when I did that 2 years ago I was shamed and humiliated." A lot of people asking me to share my #metoo story..iam sorry but when I did that 2 years ago I was shamed and humiliated...my parents whom I love the most had to listen to some obscene things on National tv ..I was clearly told that a guy with a failed career doesn’t — adhyayen suman (@AdhyayanSsuman) October 12, 2018 × Revealing that he faced a lot of criticism for sharing his story, Adhyayan wrote, "My parents whom I love the most had to listen to some obscene things on National tv ..I was clearly told that a guy with a failed career doesn't. Have the right to share his painfull and dark experience. The handful of people who supported me I thank you all from the bottom of my heart." The actor also added that he hopes that the people who are getting a chance to share their experiences, get a closure and should not get judged like he was. "And I am happy that at least this movement is giving a chance to all the people who have had to suppress their dark and depressing experiences for so long ..I hope all these people at least get their closure without being judged the way I was!" he concluded. Have the right to share his pain full and dark experience.The handful of people who supported me I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. And I am happy that at lest this moment is giving a chance to all the people who have had to #MeToo — adhyayen suman (@AdhyayanSsuman) October 12, 2018 × Earlier in 2016, Adhyayan Suman had accused his ex-girlfriend Kangana Ranaut of torturing and abusing him, when they were together. Almost a year after the #MeToo movement upended Hollywood, it arrived in India recently with a number of women accusing men of sexual misconduct and harassment. The movement has taken the Bollywood industry by storm with the likes of Tanushree Dutta, Sandhya Mridul, Vinta Nanda opening up about the harassment they suffered at the hands of men.

When I shared my #MeToo story, I was shamed: Adhyayan Suman

There should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation against journalists and other members of the media, a spokesperson for President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa said.&nbsp;

The remarks came in response to a question on the explosion of the MeToo movement in India, where several women from the field of media, entertainment and journalism have come forward and shared personal stories of being sexually harassed and assaulted by their male bosses, colleagues and even prominent political leaders and artists.&nbsp;

"The President of the General Assembly has made very clear that there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual violence and since we are talking about members of the press and journalists, there is also zero tolerance for journalists to be harassed when they are doing their job," Espinosa's spokesperson Monica Grayley said at her daily press briefing here Thursday.&nbsp;

Women from a wide spectrum of fields are taking to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to name and shame those who abused or harmed them and demanding justice and stern action.&nbsp;

Grayley said while she cannot comment on specific cases as she was not aware of them, she said the General Assembly President is "very firm" on her stance on zero tolerance for sexual abuse.&nbsp;

"When you take a stance against sexual violence, sexual harassment of any kind and harassment to members of the press, one is not talking about only a specific area of the world. You are talking about universal terms. It is zero tolerance, zero is zero, it is not zero minus one or zero plus one. It is not acceptable," she said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

There should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation against journalists and other members of the media, a spokesperson for President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa said.

There should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation against journalists and other members of the media, a spokesperson for President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa said. The remarks came in response to a question on the explosion of the MeToo movement in India, where several women from the field of media, entertainment and journalism have come forward and shared personal stories of being sexually harassed and assaulted by their male bosses, colleagues and even prominent political leaders and artists. "The President of the General Assembly has made very clear that there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual violence and since we are talking about members of the press and journalists, there is also zero tolerance for journalists to be harassed when they are doing their job," Espinosa's spokesperson Monica Grayley said at her daily press briefing here Thursday. Women from a wide spectrum of fields are taking to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to name and shame those who abused or harmed them and demanding justice and stern action. Grayley said while she cannot comment on specific cases as she was not aware of them, she said the General Assembly President is "very firm" on her stance on zero tolerance for sexual abuse. "When you take a stance against sexual violence, sexual harassment of any kind and harassment to members of the press, one is not talking about only a specific area of the world. You are talking about universal terms. It is zero tolerance, zero is zero, it is not zero minus one or zero plus one. It is not acceptable," she said.

There should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment: Spokesperson for UNGA President on #MeToo in India

Multiple women have accused filmmaker Sajid Khan of sexual harassment. Two actresses and a journalist have given detailed accounts of how Sajid had misbehaved with them on different occasions.&nbsp; 
 
Now, Sajid's sister, well-known choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan has&nbsp;responded to the accusations that have been levied on her brother. 
&nbsp; 
Farah took to Twitter and said she stands in solidarity with all those women who have been violated. "This is a heartbreaking time for my family.We have to work through some very difficult issues. If my brother has behaved in this manner he has a lot to atone for. I don’t in any way endorse this behavior and Stand in solidarity with any woman who has been hurt.”

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This is a heartbreaking time for my family.We have to work through some very difficult issues. If my brother has behaved in this manner he has a lot to atone for.I don’t in any way endorse this behavior and Stand in solidarity with any woman who has been hurt.
— Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFarahKhan/status/1050695932017295360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sajid and Farah’s cousin, actor, filmmaker Farhan Akhtar aslo responded to the charges against the filmmaker and wrote, “I cannot adequately stress how shocked, disappointed and heartbroken I am to read the stories about Sajid’s behaviour. &nbsp;I don’t know how but he will have to find a way to atone for his alleged actions.”

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I cannot adequately stress how shocked, disappointed and heartbroken I am to read the stories about Sajid’s behaviour. 
I don’t know how but he will have to find a way to atone for his alleged actions.
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarOutAkhtar/status/1050674605331890179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/housefull-4-sajid-khan-steps-down-as-director-akshay-kumar-says-wont-work-with-proven-offenders-171068">Sajid Khan issued a statement stating that he was stepping away from ‘Housefull 4’</a> a film he was directing. “In the wake of the allegations against me and the pressure being put on my family, my producers and the stars of my film ‘Houseful 4’, I must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth.”&nbsp;

Akshay Kumar, one of the lead actors of the film also issued a statement after the incidents against Sajid Khan came to light. Kumar wrote, “I have just landed in the country last night and reading all the news has been really very disturbing. I've requested the producers of Housefull 4 to cancel the shoot until further investigation. This is something that requires stringent action.”

Multiple women have accused filmmaker Sajid Khan of sexual harassment. Two actresses and a journalist have given detailed accounts of how Sajid had misbehaved with them on different occasions.

Multiple women have accused filmmaker Sajid Khan of sexual harassment. Two actresses and a journalist have given detailed accounts of how Sajid had misbehaved with them on different occasions. Now, Sajid's sister, well-known choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan has responded to the accusations that have been levied on her brother. Farah took to Twitter and said she stands in solidarity with all those women who have been violated. "This is a heartbreaking time for my family.We have to work through some very difficult issues. If my brother has behaved in this manner he has a lot to atone for. I don’t in any way endorse this behavior and Stand in solidarity with any woman who has been hurt.” This is a heartbreaking time for my family.We have to work through some very difficult issues. If my brother has behaved in this manner he has a lot to atone for.I don’t in any way endorse this behavior and Stand in solidarity with any woman who has been hurt. — Farah Khan (@TheFarahKhan) October 12, 2018 × Sajid and Farah’s cousin, actor, filmmaker Farhan Akhtar aslo responded to the charges against the filmmaker and wrote, “I cannot adequately stress how shocked, disappointed and heartbroken I am to read the stories about Sajid’s behaviour. I don’t know how but he will have to find a way to atone for his alleged actions.” I cannot adequately stress how shocked, disappointed and heartbroken I am to read the stories about Sajid’s behaviour. I don’t know how but he will have to find a way to atone for his alleged actions. — Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) October 12, 2018 × Earlier in the day, Sajid Khan issued a statement stating that he was stepping away from ‘Housefull 4’ a film he was directing. “In the wake of the allegations against me and the pressure being put on my family, my producers and the stars of my film ‘Houseful 4’, I must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth.” Akshay Kumar, one of the lead actors of the film also issued a statement after the incidents against Sajid Khan came to light. Kumar wrote, “I have just landed in the country last night and reading all the news has been really very disturbing. I've requested the producers of Housefull 4 to cancel the shoot until further investigation. This is something that requires stringent action.”

Farah Khan responds to charges of sexual harassment against brother Sajid Khan

Minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi on Friday said that she believes in all the charges made by women against sexual harassment and thereafter called for a committee of four retired judges to conduct public hearings of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-bombay-high-court-justice-says-judiciary-plagued-with-rampant-sexism-171078">all the cases</a>.&nbsp;

“I believe in all of them. I believe in the pain and trauma behind every single complainant," Gandhi told PTI.&nbsp;

“I am proposing to set up a committee with senior judicial and legal persons as members to look into all issues emanating from the #MeToo campaign,” she said in an interview to PTI. The committee will look into the legal and institutional framework which is in place for handling complaints of sexual harassment, including some of the complaints if required, and advise the ministry on how to strengthen these, she said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Minister for Women &amp; Child Development Maneka Gandhi explains about the committee which will be set up to examine all issues emanating from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeTooIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeTooIndia</a> movement. <a href="https://t.co/Uo9qEl1wIb">pic.twitter.com/Uo9qEl1wIb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050703117984194560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She also called for an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Minister of State (MoS) External Affairs MJ Akbar, who has become the first minister to be accused of sexual harassment, reports said.

Gandhi had earlier said that she is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/happy-that-metoo-movement-has-started-in-india-says-maneka-gandhi-hopes-it-doesnt-go-out-of-control-170208">happy that the #MeToo movement</a> has started in India and hoped that the campaign does not go out of control.&nbsp;

The Union Minister then gave a message to all the women who have been subjected to some or the other form of harassment and said, "Please remember that you can now - as we have interpreted it - complain 10 years later, 15 years later, it doesn't matter how much later. The point is, if you are going to complain, the avenue is still open."

More recently, upcoming Bollywood film ‘Housefull 4’ finds itself in the middle of #MeToo controversy as director <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/metoo-multiple-women-accuse-sajid-khan-of-sexual-misconduct-harassment-171007">Sajid Khan</a> steps down from his post in the wake of several sexual assault allegations levied against him.

Several filmmakers and actors, politicians and journalists have been named in a wave of sexual misconduct allegations, spurred on by actor Tanushree Dutta’s claims that she was harassed by her colleague Nana Patekar on the sets of a 2008 movie.

Meanwhile, this is what the Bollywood stars and leaders had to say about the #MeToo movement:

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It has just started here. I think it's very good, better late than never. If you take this step now in future we'll be able to control it. If women have been through any kind of harassment whether it's physical,mental,emotional,any which way, I support them: Malaika Arora <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a> <a href="https://t.co/9GYnLQHqTK">pic.twitter.com/9GYnLQHqTK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050687353575084032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I’m disturbed by all the happenings with regards to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a>. My company and I believe in providing women with utmost respect and safety. If anyone has wronged even a single woman, neither ADF nor I will stand for it.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn/status/1050680117955981314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: I welcome this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a> campaign but I don't consider women journalists to be so innocent that anyone can misuse them, says Lata Kelkar, Chief of Madhya Pradesh BJP women wing on MJ Akbar. (11.10.18) <a href="https://t.co/4gM5shTkg3">pic.twitter.com/4gM5shTkg3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050637509384761344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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More than the names it’s the description of the way things happened is what is disturbing me the most. Makes me have this terrible feeling that we have discovered only the tip of this iceberg. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Metoo</a>
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) <a href="https://twitter.com/taapsee/status/1050626661866078208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi on Friday said that she believes in all the charges made by women against sexual harassment and thereafter called for a committee of four retired judges to conduct public hearings of all the cases.

Minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi on Friday said that she believes in all the charges made by women against sexual harassment and thereafter called for a committee of four retired judges to conduct public hearings of all the cases. “I believe in all of them. I believe in the pain and trauma behind every single complainant," Gandhi told PTI. “I am proposing to set up a committee with senior judicial and legal persons as members to look into all issues emanating from the #MeToo campaign,” she said in an interview to PTI. The committee will look into the legal and institutional framework which is in place for handling complaints of sexual harassment, including some of the complaints if required, and advise the ministry on how to strengthen these, she said. #WATCH: Minister for Women & Child Development Maneka Gandhi explains about the committee which will be set up to examine all issues emanating from the #MeTooIndia movement. pic.twitter.com/Uo9qEl1wIb — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2018 × She also called for an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Minister of State (MoS) External Affairs MJ Akbar, who has become the first minister to be accused of sexual harassment, reports said. Gandhi had earlier said that she is happy that the #MeToo movement has started in India and hoped that the campaign does not go out of control. The Union Minister then gave a message to all the women who have been subjected to some or the other form of harassment and said, "Please remember that you can now - as we have interpreted it - complain 10 years later, 15 years later, it doesn't matter how much later. The point is, if you are going to complain, the avenue is still open." More recently, upcoming Bollywood film ‘Housefull 4’ finds itself in the middle of #MeToo controversy as director Sajid Khan steps down from his post in the wake of several sexual assault allegations levied against him. Several filmmakers and actors, politicians and journalists have been named in a wave of sexual misconduct allegations, spurred on by actor Tanushree Dutta’s claims that she was harassed by her colleague Nana Patekar on the sets of a 2008 movie. Meanwhile, this is what the Bollywood stars and leaders had to say about the #MeToo movement: It has just started here. I think it's very good, better late than never. If you take this step now in future we'll be able to control it. If women have been through any kind of harassment whether it's physical,mental,emotional,any which way, I support them: Malaika Arora #MeToo pic.twitter.com/9GYnLQHqTK — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2018 × I’m disturbed by all the happenings with regards to #MeToo. My company and I believe in providing women with utmost respect and safety. If anyone has wronged even a single woman, neither ADF nor I will stand for it. — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) October 12, 2018 × #WATCH: I welcome this #MeToo campaign but I don't consider women journalists to be so innocent that anyone can misuse them, says Lata Kelkar, Chief of Madhya Pradesh BJP women wing on MJ Akbar. (11.10.18) pic.twitter.com/4gM5shTkg3 — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2018 × More than the names it’s the description of the way things happened is what is disturbing me the most. Makes me have this terrible feeling that we have discovered only the tip of this iceberg. #Metoo — taapsee pannu (@taapsee) October 12, 2018 ×

I believe in all #MeToo cases, says Maneka Gandhi, calls for panel to hold public hearings

The #MeToo movement began with a global outrage over the Harvey Weinstein incident in the West, where the acclaimed Hollywood producer was accused of sexual harassment by over 80 women. With Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta's accusations of sexual harassment against veteran actor Nana Patekar, the movement has now gained momentum in India.&nbsp;

Women in media and entertainment industry are coming forward exposing and shaming prominent names, which include renowned names,

Also, many are asking why these women have come out with their stories now, after all these years.

So, for everyone who will understand what I am addressing -- this is to you.

Stop pressurising survivors to come out with their stories of sexual harassment. You, as an individual, have no authority to dictate them the right way and manners to deal with their trauma. You do not get to judge the man or woman who has been harassed on the basis of what they do about it.&nbsp;

I am 32. I still cannot discuss how I was touched inappropriately at seven. That was two decades ago. I did not forget. I still cannot talk about that one boyfriend who thoroughly forced me to get intimate for two years, until I finally broke free. I haven't forgotten a single man who pretended to be extra warm and nice and brushed through my body. They're around us. They're friends, relatives, colleagues, acquaintance. &nbsp;

Tanushree Dutta's revelation led to more women coming out. Don't believe them? Okay. Want an investigation? Perfect. But stop putting a timeline on sexual assault. Don’t be a part of the rape culture which prevents women from coming forward to share their experiences. You have not given us a perfect society to come out in. You have no clue how much it hurts. How much it haunts. Stop taking away their right to speak. One day, I myself want to be that loud.&nbsp;

Believe survivors, even when those they are talking about are your friends. Listen. Do not ask why they did not say this before. Ask yourself what made them remain silent.&nbsp;

Also, let’s move beyond the #metoo campaign. It is not enough. Sexual abuse is gender neutral. As is the abuse of power. Say. Repeat.&nbsp;

So do not wait for the law to take its course. Let’s stop working with serial abusers, stop sharing space with sexual assaulters. Let them know they are not welcome anymore in all the spaces which you inhabit. Close the door on them. Today. Right now.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The #MeToo movement began with a global outrage over the Harvey Weinstein incident in the West, where the acclaimed Hollywood producer was accused of sexual harassment by over 80 women.

The #MeToo movement began with a global outrage over the Harvey Weinstein incident in the West, where the acclaimed Hollywood producer was accused of sexual harassment by over 80 women. With Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta's accusations of sexual harassment against veteran actor Nana Patekar, the movement has now gained momentum in India. Women in media and entertainment industry are coming forward exposing and shaming prominent names, which include renowned names, Also, many are asking why these women have come out with their stories now, after all these years. So, for everyone who will understand what I am addressing -- this is to you. Stop pressurising survivors to come out with their stories of sexual harassment. You, as an individual, have no authority to dictate them the right way and manners to deal with their trauma. You do not get to judge the man or woman who has been harassed on the basis of what they do about it. I am 32. I still cannot discuss how I was touched inappropriately at seven. That was two decades ago. I did not forget. I still cannot talk about that one boyfriend who thoroughly forced me to get intimate for two years, until I finally broke free. I haven't forgotten a single man who pretended to be extra warm and nice and brushed through my body. They're around us. They're friends, relatives, colleagues, acquaintance. Tanushree Dutta's revelation led to more women coming out. Don't believe them? Okay. Want an investigation? Perfect. But stop putting a timeline on sexual assault. Don’t be a part of the rape culture which prevents women from coming forward to share their experiences. You have not given us a perfect society to come out in. You have no clue how much it hurts. How much it haunts. Stop taking away their right to speak. One day, I myself want to be that loud. Believe survivors, even when those they are talking about are your friends. Listen. Do not ask why they did not say this before. Ask yourself what made them remain silent. Also, let’s move beyond the #metoo campaign. It is not enough. Sexual abuse is gender neutral. As is the abuse of power. Say. Repeat. So do not wait for the law to take its course. Let’s stop working with serial abusers, stop sharing space with sexual assaulters. Let them know they are not welcome anymore in all the spaces which you inhabit. Close the door on them. Today. Right now. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: #MeToo - Don't ask survivors why did they remain silent for so long

On Wednesday evening, Kaneez Surka accused Aditi Mittal of forcibly kissing her 2016 during an open-mic session in front of everyone. Both stand-up comics, along with a few other comedians were performing in Mumbai when the incident took place.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Aditi Mittal took to Twitter to issue an apology to Surka and stated that she had given Surka a peck on her lips as a part of the act that she was about to perform on stage.&nbsp;

"In January 2016, I was a participant of an open mic at Andheri (West) in Mumbai. Kaneez Surkha was the host. While walking up on stage to take the mic from Kaneez I gave her a peck on the lips (there was no tongue) as a joke as a part of the act. The intentions were not sexual in nature. I realized that after talking to Kaneez that it was a violation of her space and to this day bothers her very much. For this I am unconditionally sorry," Mittal wrote in her statement.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/now-kaneez-surka-accuses-aditi-mittal-of-forcibly-kissing-her-170722">In her statement, </a>Surka had alleged, "In the presence of an audience of 100 and many comedians, Aditi Mittal walked up on stage and forcefully kissed me on my mouth out of the blue and put her tongue in my mouth, while I was still on stage and without my consent."

Surka had also stated that Mittal had turned hostile towards her when she tried to talk to her later. Mittal stated that she had started consciously avoiding the places that Surka would be in out of respect for her space.&nbsp;

"As far as “turning hostile” was concerned- I began to consciously avoid any place that she or anyone from those social circles might be, out of respect for her space. It was done as a cautionary measure," Mittal wrote.&nbsp; 
 
Both Surka and Mittal have been actively participating in the ongoing #MeToo Movement on social media, urging women to speak out and calling out offenders.&nbsp;

On Wednesday evening, Kaneez Surka accused Aditi Mittal of forcibly kissing her 2016 during an open-mic session in front of everyone. Both stand-up comics, along with a few other comedians were performing in Mumbai when the incident took place.

On Wednesday evening, Kaneez Surka accused Aditi Mittal of forcibly kissing her 2016 during an open-mic session in front of everyone. Both stand-up comics, along with a few other comedians were performing in Mumbai when the incident took place. On Thursday, Aditi Mittal took to Twitter to issue an apology to Surka and stated that she had given Surka a peck on her lips as a part of the act that she was about to perform on stage. "In January 2016, I was a participant of an open mic at Andheri (West) in Mumbai. Kaneez Surkha was the host. While walking up on stage to take the mic from Kaneez I gave her a peck on the lips (there was no tongue) as a joke as a part of the act. The intentions were not sexual in nature. I realized that after talking to Kaneez that it was a violation of her space and to this day bothers her very much. For this I am unconditionally sorry," Mittal wrote in her statement. In her statement, Surka had alleged, "In the presence of an audience of 100 and many comedians, Aditi Mittal walked up on stage and forcefully kissed me on my mouth out of the blue and put her tongue in my mouth, while I was still on stage and without my consent." Surka had also stated that Mittal had turned hostile towards her when she tried to talk to her later. Mittal stated that she had started consciously avoiding the places that Surka would be in out of respect for her space. "As far as “turning hostile” was concerned- I began to consciously avoid any place that she or anyone from those social circles might be, out of respect for her space. It was done as a cautionary measure," Mittal wrote. Both Surka and Mittal have been actively participating in the ongoing #MeToo Movement on social media, urging women to speak out and calling out offenders.

Aditi Mittal apologises to Kaneez Surka, says the 'peck on the lips' was part of the act

The #MeToo movement has gained immense momentum in India in the last few days. Women have called out influential names from media as well as the entertainment line. All of the perpetrators named so far have been men. Except now. One of the most vocal voices of the movement, stand-up comic Aditi Mittal has been accused by fellow comic Kaneez Surka of sexual misconduct.&nbsp; 
 
Surka, in a long post, gave details about a show where 100s of other comedians were present and while she was on stage performing, Aditi Mittal forcibly kissed her in front of everyone. The incident took place two years ago. "In the presence of an audience of 100 and many comedians, Aditi Mittal walked up on stage and forcefully kissed me on my mouth out of the blue and put her tongue in my mouth, while I was still on stage and without my consent." 
 
Surka stated that she reached out to Mittal post the incident and while at first Mittal apologised, she later turned hostile.&nbsp;"Every person is entitled to choice and boundaries and she violated mine," her post read.

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<a href="https://t.co/pWDEXxbiMQ">pic.twitter.com/pWDEXxbiMQ</a>
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"Seeing her name all over Twitter as a champion of the cause has been triggering me immensely. Out of my disbelief that the opportunity to reform is the only way forward, yesterday, once again, I spoke to her through a mutual friend and requested her to come out with a public apology and save me the pain of having to reveal my identity. Despite having acknowledged it earlier, she denied kissing me on the mouth, gaslighted me and asked me to cross check," the post further read.

Surka also stated that her note is not an opportunity for any men to use it for their own agendas. "This is not retribution but for personal closure," she signed off.

Both the stars have been actively tweeting about the movement, encouraging women to speak up and call out their abusers. Surka's accusation has given the movement a new angle, making it a bigger debate on how it is not only about women accusing men but of sexual violation of an individual.&nbsp;

The #MeToo movement has gained immense momentum in India in the last few days. Women have called out influential names from media as well as the entertainment line.

The #MeToo movement has gained immense momentum in India in the last few days. Women have called out influential names from media as well as the entertainment line. All of the perpetrators named so far have been men. Except now. One of the most vocal voices of the movement, stand-up comic Aditi Mittal has been accused by fellow comic Kaneez Surka of sexual misconduct. Surka, in a long post, gave details about a show where 100s of other comedians were present and while she was on stage performing, Aditi Mittal forcibly kissed her in front of everyone. The incident took place two years ago. "In the presence of an audience of 100 and many comedians, Aditi Mittal walked up on stage and forcefully kissed me on my mouth out of the blue and put her tongue in my mouth, while I was still on stage and without my consent." Surka stated that she reached out to Mittal post the incident and while at first Mittal apologised, she later turned hostile. "Every person is entitled to choice and boundaries and she violated mine," her post read. pic.twitter.com/pWDEXxbiMQ — Kaneez Surka (@kaneezsurka) October 10, 2018 × "Seeing her name all over Twitter as a champion of the cause has been triggering me immensely. Out of my disbelief that the opportunity to reform is the only way forward, yesterday, once again, I spoke to her through a mutual friend and requested her to come out with a public apology and save me the pain of having to reveal my identity. Despite having acknowledged it earlier, she denied kissing me on the mouth, gaslighted me and asked me to cross check," the post further read. Surka also stated that her note is not an opportunity for any men to use it for their own agendas. "This is not retribution but for personal closure," she signed off. Both the stars have been actively tweeting about the movement, encouraging women to speak up and call out their abusers. Surka's accusation has given the movement a new angle, making it a bigger debate on how it is not only about women accusing men but of sexual violation of an individual.

Now, Kaneez Surka accuses Aditi Mittal of forcibly kissing her

Bollywood singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who has been accused of sexually harassing a flight-attendant in a Kolkata pub 20 years back, has refuted the allegations claiming he 'wasn't even born at that time'.&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/metoo-indian-flight-attendant-accuses-former-lanka-captain-arjuna-ranatunga-of-sexual-harassment-170652">woman, in a long post on Facebook,</a> stated that how the singer had assaulted her at a pub in Kolkata 20 years ago.&nbsp;

"#AbhijeetBhattacharya grabbed me by wrist and pulled me closer for refusing to dance or get intimate with him," she wrote.&nbsp;

When a news website contacted the singer asking for his response on the allegations, Bhattacharya refuted it completely and said, "Somebody told me over the call. I was not born at that time. I have never gone to pubs in my life. You’ll never find me at any page 3 or filmy parties. My name sells. If someone’s benefiting from it, good. Sometimes earning their bread and butter with my name, it’s fine."

The singer further went on to say that most allegations were made by fat and ugly people. "I don’t know against whom should I take action. Why should I give attention to that person? You are giving it importance not me. Most of the people who are coming out right now are dirty, ugly people. Koi mota hai koi patla hai. No one deserves (the attention). Just to grab some attention they are coming out. Most of the fat and ugly girls are blaming and I wasn’t born at that time."&nbsp;

Bollywood singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who has been accused of sexually harassing a flight-attendant in a Kolkata pub 20 years back, has refuted the allegations claiming he 'wasn't even born at that time'.

Bollywood singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who has been accused of sexually harassing a flight-attendant in a Kolkata pub 20 years back, has refuted the allegations claiming he 'wasn't even born at that time'. The woman, in a long post on Facebook, stated that how the singer had assaulted her at a pub in Kolkata 20 years ago. "#AbhijeetBhattacharya grabbed me by wrist and pulled me closer for refusing to dance or get intimate with him," she wrote. When a news website contacted the singer asking for his response on the allegations, Bhattacharya refuted it completely and said, "Somebody told me over the call. I was not born at that time. I have never gone to pubs in my life. You’ll never find me at any page 3 or filmy parties. My name sells. If someone’s benefiting from it, good. Sometimes earning their bread and butter with my name, it’s fine." The singer further went on to say that most allegations were made by fat and ugly people. "I don’t know against whom should I take action. Why should I give attention to that person? You are giving it importance not me. Most of the people who are coming out right now are dirty, ugly people. Koi mota hai koi patla hai. No one deserves (the attention). Just to grab some attention they are coming out. Most of the fat and ugly girls are blaming and I wasn’t born at that time."

Abhijeet Bhattacharya denies sexual harassment charges, says 'fat and ugly girls' are making such accusations

The ongoing #MeToo movement has spilt a can of worms. So many prominent names from the entertainment industry as well as media have come out with women accusing them sexual harassment.&nbsp; 
 
The latest name that has been added to the list is that of actor Rohit Roy.

Roy, who ruled TV in the early 1990s, and then went on to do films has been accused by a woman of sexual&nbsp;harassment.&nbsp; 
 
The woman, who chose not to reveal her identity, wrote how the actor would send her suggestive message when she was 16-years-old. "He's harassed me on several occasions since, trying to get me to kiss him. Including when his wife (was) in the next room," the woman wrote.&nbsp; 
 
The woman also alleged that when she tried to get a job in a school, Roy invited her for a chat to his office- an offer than she decided to turn down.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, the actor refuted the claims made by the actress. While speaking to a news channel, Roy said, "I had checked the entire account, that's not me at all. I would love to know who this is. It's not actually sexual harassment or anything like that. I saw the entire thing. I think there has been some mistake. I'd love to know who I have harassed in my life. Please find and let me know." 
 
Over the past few days, scores of women have called out men for misconduct, rape and harassment on social media. From Rajat Kapoor to Alok Nath to Vikas Bahl and Nana Patekar- Bollywood is now naming and shaming perpetrators.&nbsp;

The ongoing #MeToo movement has spilt a can of worms. So many prominent names from the entertainment industry as well as media have come out with women accusing them sexual harassment.

The ongoing #MeToo movement has spilt a can of worms. So many prominent names from the entertainment industry as well as media have come out with women accusing them sexual harassment. The latest name that has been added to the list is that of actor Rohit Roy. Roy, who ruled TV in the early 1990s, and then went on to do films has been accused by a woman of sexual harassment. The woman, who chose not to reveal her identity, wrote how the actor would send her suggestive message when she was 16-years-old. "He's harassed me on several occasions since, trying to get me to kiss him. Including when his wife (was) in the next room," the woman wrote. The woman also alleged that when she tried to get a job in a school, Roy invited her for a chat to his office- an offer than she decided to turn down. Meanwhile, the actor refuted the claims made by the actress. While speaking to a news channel, Roy said, "I had checked the entire account, that's not me at all. I would love to know who this is. It's not actually sexual harassment or anything like that. I saw the entire thing. I think there has been some mistake. I'd love to know who I have harassed in my life. Please find and let me know." Over the past few days, scores of women have called out men for misconduct, rape and harassment on social media. From Rajat Kapoor to Alok Nath to Vikas Bahl and Nana Patekar- Bollywood is now naming and shaming perpetrators.

#MeToo: Actor Rohit Roy accused of sexual harassment

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