Actor, Former MP Suresh Gopi Accused Of Misconduct; Issues Apology

On October 28, the Kerala Police initiated legal proceedings against Malayalam actor and former BJP Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi due to a controversy stemming from his encounter with a journalist in Kozhikode on October 27.

During the reported interaction, he placed his hand on her shoulder twice while responding to her inquiries.

Details Of The Incident?

As reported by The Indian Express, the incident happened when Gopi was addressing inquiries from journalists in Kozhikode. When one female journalist posed a question, he placed his hand on her shoulder and affectionately referred to her as "mole (daughter)" as he began to respond. Subsequently, she distanced herself.

However, when she later asked another question, he once more rested his hand on her shoulder, prompting her to push it away.

Complaints Against The Actor

Soon after, the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) and the journalist herself filed a complaint against Gopi. The Kozhikode city police filed a case in accordance with IPC Section 354A, which pertains to sexual harassment, following the complaint made by the journalist.

In response to complaints lodged by both, the Kerala Women's Commission has requested the police to provide an investigative report within a 15-day timeframe.

P Sathidevi, the chairperson of the State Women's Commission and a former CPI(M) MP, emphasized the commission's strong concern regarding the matter. She stated, "The decision to accept the apology or not lies entirely with the woman who experienced the offense."

Gopi Issues Apology

The former BJP Rajya Sabha MP asserted that he had never shown disrespect to anyone throughout his life, either in public or private settings. Gopi extended an apology to the journalist if his actions had caused her any mental distress.

In a Facebook post, he explained, "I have never engaged in inappropriate behavior with anyone. My touch on the reporter was meant to convey a fatherly affection. Nevertheless, if she felt my actions were inappropriate and they caused her discomfort, I respect her feelings and offer my apologies."

"My intentions were purely benign. I had attempted to reach out to the reporter via phone to express my remorse, but she did not answer the call. Now, if she is pursuing legal action against me, there is little I can do."

Meanwhile, the journalist expressed that Gopi's statement appeared more like an "explanation" rather than a genuine apology. She conveyed her distress over Gopi's conduct and declared her intention to take legal action. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) criticized Gopi's actions as unacceptable and deemed them "an insult to all working women."

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