In the wake of #MeeToo, prominent singer-composer Anu Malik has been accused of sexual harassment by singers Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit.
Malik’s lawyer refuted the accusations and said that India’s #MeToo movement is being used for his client’s character assassination.
Now, singer Alisha Chinai who worked with Anu in 1990s came out and stated that every word said and written about him is true.
As per a report in Deccan Chronicle, Alisha said, “Every word said and written about Anu Malik is true. I stand by all the women who have finally spoken up. May they find peace and closure in their lives.”
For the uninitiated, Alisha filed a sexual harassment suit against Malik in the 1990s. She demanded Rs 26 lakh from him, and in turn, he filed a defamation case of Rs 2 crore on her. The matter was settled after a few years. They even reconciled, and judged Indian Idol together.
“When I sued (Anu) Malik, I fought it alone. It was an unprecedented landmark verdict and a restraining order was passed against him. The man has repeatedly begged for my forgiveness. I have chosen to forgive him and moved on,” Alisha said in a recent interview.
For 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
Meanwhile, 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.