Filmmaker Sajid Khan has responded to allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by actress Saloni Chopra in a statement on Twitter as he announced his decision of “stepping down” as the director of his upcoming film Housefull 4 until the charges are “allayed” by him.
In a detailed post on Thursday, Saloni narrated her ordeal as she accused Sajid of behaving inappropriately with her while she was working with him. Apart from Saloni, a senior journalist has also revealed that the filmmaker had “exposed himself and forcefully kissed her” during an interview.
Expounding his “moral responsibility” in the statement, Sajid requested the media to refrain from “passing the judgment” unless the truth is out.
Read Sajid’s statement:
https://twitter.com/SimplySajidK/status/1050643527661584384
In the meantime, Akshay Kumar, who stars in a principal role in Housefull 4, cancelled shoot that was scheduled for today so as to express support to the #MeToo movement in India. Apart from being directed by Sajid, Housefull 4 co-stars Nana Patekar, who has been accused of sexual harassment by Tanushree Dutta.
The fourth schedule of the film was supposed to begin filming today while producer Sajid Nadiadwala had set up a massive set of almost Rs 14 crore in Lokhandwala for it. Almost 60 percent of the film is complete.
The #MeToo movement in India was escalated by Tanushree’s accusation against Patekar where several women outed filmmakers and actors as well as alleged sexual predators. So far, Alok Nath, Subhash Ghai, Vikas Bahl and Rajat Kapoor have also been accused of sexual harassment.
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