Sona Mohapatra Releases A Statement On #MeToo Allegations

The #MeToo movement in India was started by actress Tanushree Dutta last year. Since then, numerous women have come out and shared stories of sexual abuse, exposing men in positions of authority.

Last year, after singer Anu Malik was charged with #MeToo allegations, he was required to step down as the judge of the reality TV show, 'Indian Idol'. However, much to everyone's astonishment and dismay, Anu Malik returned as a judge in the latest season of the singing reality show.

Sona Mohapatra, who was among the singers who accused Malik of harassment, has been heading a protest against him ever since the list of judges for Season 11 of 'Indian Idol' was advertised. The singer has also taken to social media to communicate her displeasure on several occasions.

Read Also: Neha Bhasin Joins Sona Mohapatra; Calls Anu Malik A ‘Predator’

Mohapatra's latest statement

In her latest statement, Mohapatra addressed, 'India, Media and Sony Pictures International'. She explained the backlash she has received since the day she upheld allegations against Anu Malik. Criticising Sonu Nigam for championing the cause of Malik, she expressed her rage over the understanding of Nigam about the Indian #MeToo. Her post focuses on the victim-blaming one has to face, and how big media conglomerates merely care about TRPs. She also condemns other singers of not standing up for her. As well as, ignoring the very serious issue of MeToo when it comes in front of their eyes.

View this post on Instagram

This.

A post shared by ShutUpSona (@sonamohapatra) on Oct 31, 2019 at 1:14am PDT

Like they, Sony 👇🏾 care about you dear good Indians who have been speaking up all day & showing solidarity towards survivors of sexual abuse of Anu Malik. I have a feeling that that they are in fact counting on the freebie PR taking up their trps & snacking their lips with glee. pic.twitter.com/QYbo9jh6OL

— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) October 31, 2019

Urging Sachin Tendulkar to respect the trauma of the victims

Recently, Mohapatra urged the cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar to stop appraising the show because of them reinstating Anu Malik as a judge. Tendulkar was seen in his tweets praising the participants of 'Indian Idol'. The master blaster had tweeted admiring the singing prowess of Rahul, Chelsi, Diwas and Sunny. All of them are participants on the program.

Dear Sachin, Are you aware of all the @IndiaMeToo stories of multiple women, some minors who came forward in the public domain about Anu Malik, the judge in this same Indian Idol show last year including their own ex producer? Does their trauma not matter or touch anyone? 🧚🏿‍♀️🔴 https://t.co/jE45Tth1po

— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) October 29, 2019

Supporting the cricketer, a Twitter user pointed out that Sachin's praise of the contestants had nothing to do with Anu Malik. However, Mohapatra replied, saying that the channel was riding on the goodwill of Sachin and Anand Mahindra's appreciation. This was being done to side-track attention from Anu Malik.

Yes, the context is actually missing, for U. A powerful conglomerate like Sony TV is trying to divert the shameful reinstating of a multiple accused sexual offender,Anu Malik as a judge on #IndianIdol by publicising @sachin_rt & @anandmahindra ‘s praise & riding on their goodwill https://t.co/v88NzghdCa

— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) October 30, 2019

Singers like Neha Bhasin and Shweta Pandit had also levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against Anu Malik, last year.

We applaud Mohapatra's courage to stand up against a predator, and teach each girl and women in this country to have the balls to say #TimesUp!

Read Also: Sona Mohapatra Slams Sonu Nigam For Backing Anu Malik On #MeToo

Image: The Indian Express

Saumya Rastogi is an intern with SheThePeople.TV