"I categorically deny any claims," said Ali Zafar (courtesy ali_zafar, meesha.shafi)
Highlights
- "I intend to take this through the courts of law," said Ali Zafar
- He has been accused of sexual harassment by his colleague Meesha Shafi
- "Silence is absolutely not an option," said Ali
Ali Zafar started trending Thursday evening after Meesha Shafi, a Pakistani singer-actress, accused him of
sexual abuse. After Meesha Shafi tweeted a lengthy note on Thursday evening, Ali Zafar responded within hours, writing in a statement: "I categorically deny any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi." Meesha Shafi, a mother of two, alleged sexual abuse and also accused Ali of being a repeat offender. "I have been subjected, on more than one occasion, to sexual harassment of a physical nature at the hands of a colleague from my industry: Ali Zafar," read a part of her staement. On his part, Ali Zafar added: "I have nothing to hide. Silence is absolutely not an option."
The
Tere Bin Laden actor denied the allegations in his tweet and mentioned he intends to take legal action: "I intend to take this through the courts of law and to address this professionally and seriously rather than lodge any allegations here."
Ali Zafar, who confessed to being a supporter of the 'Me Too' campaign (which exploded after Weinsteingate and aims to empower survivors of
sexual harassment and assault), said: "Ultimately I'm a strong believer that the
truth always prevails."
Read his tweet here:
Earlier on Thursday, Meesha, who is a popular artiste on
Coke Studio Pakistan, added in her tweet: "These incidences did not happen when I was young, or just entering the industry. This happened to me despite the fact that I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind. This happened to me as a mother of two children."
In her tweet, she's also explained her decision to open up. "Today, I speak up because my conscience doesn't allow me to be silent anymore." While Meesha Shafi and Ali Zafar have never co-starred in a film together, her tweet indicates that the two have shared the stage for performances.
"I feel betrayed by his behaviour and his attitude," wrote Ms Shafi, who claims to have been acquainted with Ali Zafar for years. "I know that I am not alone," she added.
Referring to the 'Me Too' campaign, Meesha Shafi added a note to her post: "Sharing this because I believe that by speaking out about my own experience of sexual harassment, I will break the culture of silence that permeates through our society. It is not easy to speak out... but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore #MeToo."
Read her full account here.
Meesha Shafi is an actress and singer of repute, having starred in several Pakistani serials and Mira Nair's film
The Reluctant Fundamentalist. She also had a role in the 2013 Bollywood film
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, in which Ms Shafi was cast as a swimmer competing in the Olympics. Meesha Shafi's best-known musical work includes a collaboration with singer Arif Lohar on the song
Jugni.
Ali Zafar has several Bollywood films on his resume and has worked with actresses like Alia Bhatt in
Dear Zindagi,
Katrina Kaif in
Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Taapsee Pannu in
Chashme Baddoor, Parineeti Chopra in
Kill Dil and Yami Gautam in
Total Siyapaa.