Don’t mock Bollywood #MeToo, warns Honey Irani
Screenwriter slams detractors of the movement against sexual violence
Veteran screenwriter Honey Irani says it’s important not to mock the #MeToo movement.
Irani is the aunt of director Sajid Khan, who has been accused of sexual harassment.
“It’s sad that now that women are talking, most people don’t listen, and ask why did you not speak up then? Well, this is exactly why. When you can’t deal with it now, imagine how could you 10 or 15 years back. If you can’t support this movement fine, but please don’t mock it,” the Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai writer tweeted.
Khan has been named by multiple women for sexual misconduct. The actor-director stepped down as Housefull 4 director, saying he was doing so “till the time I can allay the allegations and prove the truth”.
When the accusations against Khan emerged, his sister Farah Khan and cousin Farhan Akhtar expressed disappointment, saying if these are true, he has a lot to atone for.
The #MeToo wave has been on high tide in India ever since Tanushree Dutta renewed a 10-year-old allegation against Nana Patekar, leading several women from across professions to name and shame sexual offenders and predators. In some cases, matters have gone to court.