In the wake of #MeToo movement, prominent singer-composer Anu Malik has been accused of sexual harassment by singer Shweta Pandit.
After this, the singer has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women. Well now, Anu has been asked to step down as the judge of singing reality show Indian Idol 10.
The television channel’s statement says a replacement will be found for him who will join the other two judges on the show, Vishal Dadlani and Neha Kakkar. “Anu Malik is no longer a part of Indian Idol jury panel. The show will continue its planned schedule & we’ll invite some of the biggest names in Indian music as guests to join Vishal and Neha to judge extraordinary talent of Indian Idol season 10,” the statement read.
Anu Malik also shared a statement saying, “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.”
Fo the uninitiated, singer Shweta Pandit accused Anu Malik of harassment when she was a minor. Shweta had alleged that Malik asked her to give a kiss when she was just 15.
Had to go back to my worst memory as a teenage girl today to write this and speak up – its now or never. This is my #MeToo and have to warn young girls about #AnuMalik & let you know your #TimesUp @IndiaMeToo
Thank you @sonamohapatra for speaking up about him & supporting this pic.twitter.com/e261pGQyEq— Shweta Pandit (@ShwetaPandit7) October 17, 2018
However, Anu Malik has denied the allegations that he sexually harassed Shweta Pandit. Lyricist Sameer Anjaan also defended him and tweeted that no such incident took place.