MeToo is just the beginning, rot is much deeper, says Shatrughan Sinha

Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha has said that while the #MeToo movement is noble, it is becoming a sort of "free-for-all" and being blown out of proportion. Sinha spoke to the IANS news agency on the subject. Excerpts:

Your dear friend Subhash Ghai stands accused of multiple sexual offences. Your comments?

What happened to innocent until proven guilty? I am all for the #MeToo movement. Never in my 40-year career have I misbehaved with any woman. I treat every lady with utmost respect. Having said that, I think this #MeToo campaign is being blown out of all proportion.

In what way?

While the cause is definitely noble and praiseworthy, it has now become a free-for-all. Anyone can name and shame anyone. Reputations and jobs are being lost through a trial by media. To all the women who are aggrieved, I say, please go to court and make sure the wrongdoers are punished.

You have done some terrific films with Subhash Ghai. Would you work with him in the future?

Why not? If he is proven innocent, why not? Even if he is proved guilty, if he serves the punishment given to him, I would work with him. Sanjay Dutt served his jail sentence and is back working in our large-hearted film industry. In fact, we had no problem working with him even when he was an accused in a serious case.

Many top stars and directors have vowed not to work with sexual offenders...

This hypocrisy I can't understand. They have no problem working with Sanjay Dutt who has been convicted. But they want to blacklist people whose guilt is yet to be proved. Just to look like heroes of the #MeToo movement. 

A-list actors have dissociated themselves from tainted directors.

I don't want to name anyone. But I will say this. Those seeking to perch themselves on a high moral ground should look into their conscience. The problem of sexual exploitation doesn't end with some names being put out on social media. This is just the beginning. The problem runs much deeper.