Union Minister MJ Akbar, who has been accused by nearly a dozen women as a sexual predator during his days as a newspaper editor, would not resign, sources told NDTV. The government has nothing to do with the accusations against him and his stepping down may set a bad precedent, sources said.
"Why has this storm risen a few months before a general election? Is there an agenda? You be the judge. These false, baseless and wild allegations have caused irreparable damage to my reputation and goodwill," MJ Akbar said, over accusations of sexual harassment.
In response to questions from journalists at the Delhi airport, Mr Akbar said, "There will be a statement later on". The women who have accused Mr Akbar of sexual harassment in the #MeToo campaign sweeping the nation are mostly journalists who worked with him or appeared for job interviews when he was editor.
Here are the updates on this big story:
Disgusting. Remember, this is how powerful men try to bury the voices of the women who speak up against them - with deflection, bluster and accusation. And then remember and read their testimonies of sexual harassment over the years. https://t.co/tDhNsPi5TG
- Nilanjana Roy (@nilanjanaroy) October 14, 2018
- Karuna Nundy (@karunanundy) October 14, 2018
Hubrise piled on to impunity. Because #MJAkbar is of course the BJP's star draw. #MJAkbarMustGo https://t.co/c15J5x2hE1
- Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) October 14, 2018
Why has a storm arisen only before the elections, Is there an agenda asks @mjakbar . A dozen professional women have an agenda? ARE YOU SERIOUS sir? And @PMOIndia conspicuously silent on his mantri! Now, You be the judge..
More than 10 women are all telling lies, Mr @mjakbar ? And it's happening because of ELECTIONS? You shame the Indian republic https://t.co/XA5gpKcSSB
- Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) October 14, 2018
The testimony of over half a dozen women pitted against a 2-page statement of one man #MJAkbar. Speaks volumes about how difficult the #MeToo campaign is. pic.twitter.com/iFkOQkUIAd
- Maha Siddiqui (@SiddiquiMaha) October 14, 2018
Union Minister MJ Akbar today said the allegations of sexual harassment against him are "false and fabricated" and that he would take legal action in the matter. Mr Akbar, 67, was on an official tour in Nigeria when nearly a dozen women came out with detailed accounts of his alleged sexual misconduct as part of a thread on social media that has snowballed into a #MeToo movement in India. "Lies do not have legs, but they do contain poison... This is deeply distressing. I will be taking appropriate legal action," Mr Akbar said.
#WATCH Delhi:Union Minister MJ Akbar returns to India amid accusations of sexual harassment against him, says, "there will be a statement later on." pic.twitter.com/ozI0ARBSz4
- ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018