Who Is Simi Rosebell? Expelled Kerala Congress Leader Who Alleged 'Casting Couch' In Party

A senior leader of the Congress was allegedly expelled from the Ernakulam, Kerala, unit on September 1 hours after she claimed that the party favoured members, specifically women, who maintained close relationships with superiors. Simi Rosebell John made these accusations amid the ongoing controversy in Kerala's Mollywood about the 'casting couch' and sexual harassment occurrences in the film industry. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee said in an official statement that Simi Rosebell had been expelled for 'disparaging' female leaders.

What Is The Controversy?

On September 1, Simi Rosebell John made accusations before the press that the 'casting couch' exists even within the Congress party in Kerala. Speaking to a Malayalam news channel, she said that alleged that female partymembers are often expected to endure exploitation to gain opportunities.

Simi Rosebell claimed that women can ascent to significant positions in the party only by 'impressing' male leaders, often alleviating the need of experience or qualifications. She also allegedly hinted at sexual harassment within the party, naming many members like opposition leader VD Satheesan. 

“They tried to stomp upon a helpless widow like me…VD Satheesan is not scared of anyone…so many people who were with me are in different posts now. I feel now scared to walk on the road, anything can happen to me," she said. Satheesan dismissed Simi Rosebell's sexual harassment claims as false.

Hours later, the Congress hit back by expelling Simi Rosebell and releasing a statement that her allegations were aimed at at mentally harassing and defaming lakhs of women partyworkers. Meanwhile, Simi Rosebell responded that women with 'dignity' and 'pride' could not work in the Party.

KPCC President K Sudhakaran responded to the allegations and said, "Her allegations are baseless, and the KPCC will investigate the complaint filed by Mahila Congress." The Mahila Congress has also allegedly filed a complaint against Simi Rosebell and assured a thorough investigation.

Kerala's Mollywood has been seeing several allegations of sexual abuse emerging against industry bigshots since the Justice Hema Committee report was released in August 2024. Several cases date back as far as 2017 and beyond, underscoring the silenced voices of survivors.