Earlier today, Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi made a sensational allegation of sexual harassment against fellow singer and actor Ali Zafar, who has also worked in a few Hindi films.
A few hours later, Ali Zafar put out a note in his defence on Twitter, rubbishing the allegations and hinting that Shafi’s allegation was an act of vendetta.
Interestingly, before denying the allegation Zafar wrote about his own support for the #MeToo movement protesting against sexual harassment at the workplace.
“I am deeply aware and in support of the global #MeToo movement and what it stands for," the actor wrote. "I am the father of a young girl and a young boy, a husband to a wife and a son to a mother. I am a man who has stood up for myself, my family, my colleagues and friends countless times in the face of slander, defamation and general unkindness. I will do the same today. I have nothing to hide. Silence is absolutely not an option.
“I categorically deny any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi. I intend to take this through the courts of law and to address this professionally and seriously rather than to lodge any allegations here, contesting personal vendettas on social media and in turn disrespecting the movement, my family, the industry and my fans. Ultimately, I am a strong believer that the truth always prevails.”
Ali Zafar has been seen in India in films like Tere Bin Laden (2010), Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011) and Kill Dil (2014).