Music composer Anu Malik who has been accused of sexual harassment by several women, including singers Sona Mohapatra, Neha Bhasin and Shweta Pandit, volunteered to step down as the judge of singing reality show ‘Indian Idol’ aired on Sony TV.
Anu Malik’s name came up in 2018 when Sona Mohapatra accused him of sexual misconduct, after which he withdrew as the judge of Indian Idol’s 10th season last year, The Economic Times reported. However, when Sony TV reinstated Malik on season 11 this year, Mohapatra restarted her campaign against the composer and the channel.
Over the past few days, she has mustered huge support on social media, and people have increasingly been demanding Malik’s removal from the show.
A few days ago, Malik took to social media and claimed “false and unverified allegations” were being levelled against him. He said that he was “in pain” and “in a dark space”, demanding justice.
These details @SPTV @SonyPictures @sonytv . This depravity is what u promote & encourage in a country where women already hold the shorter end of the stick in all regards when you make Anu Malik a judge in your show #IndianIdol . @VishalDadlani @iAmNehaKakkar show some spine https://t.co/gE1j4gVkvN
— ShutUpSona (@sonamohapatra) November 7, 2019
Sona Mohapatra thanked her supporters on social media on Thursday, after Anu Malik stepped down.
Thank you to all the women & men & the media of India who supported our campaign #MoveOutMalik . A repeat offender like Anu Malik on national tv triggered a lot of trauma, pain & stress in many of our lives. I have been ill for a while & I hope to sleep well tonight.
— ShutUpSona (@sonamohapatra) November 21, 2019
Also Read: One Year Of #MeToo: Stories Of Sexual Harassment, Assault That Rocked India
