Pakistani actress and singer, Meesha Shafi just hours ago alleged that she had, on many occasions been sexually harassed by fellow singer and colleague, Ali Zafar. The actress took to Twitter to come clean with her own brush with harassment in a long and emotional post;
Sharing this because I believe that by speaking out about my own experience of sexual harassment, I will break the culture of silence that permeates through our society. It is not easy to speak out.. but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore #MeToo pic.twitter.com/iwex7e1NLZ
— Meesha Shafi (@itsmeeshashafi) April 19, 2018
Now Ali Zafar, who just hours ago reportedly said that he was not going to make a statement on the issue as of yet, has come out with his own response on the entire situation;
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 19, 2018
“I am deeply aware and in support of the #MeToo movement and what it stands for. 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 that 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.”
