Pakistani actress-model-singer Meesha Shafi has accused fellow Pakistani artiste Ali Zafar of sexual harassment.
"I have been subjected to sexual harassment of a physical nature at the hands of a colleague from my industry: Ali Zafar. These incidences did not happen when I was young or just entering the industry," Meesha said in a note that she tweeted on Thursday.
"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," the note read.
She also wrote that she chose to share about the incident 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," she added in the wake of sexual harassment incidents happening across the globe.
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 pic.twitter.com/iwex7e1NLZ
— Meesha Shafi (@itsmeeshashafi) April 19, 2018
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
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 19, 2018
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.
More power to you ! @itsmeeshashafi 👊🏻 https://t.co/aN8m8zNQq6
— URWA HOCANE (@VJURWA) April 19, 2018
And more stories after Meesha Shafi spoke out. That’s why it’s important that women who can speak out, must - it helps those who, for now, can’t. https://t.co/NTTstqAFtv #MeToo
— Mona Eltahawy (@monaeltahawy) April 19, 2018
