Following the Hema Committee report, allegations of sexual harassment have rocked the Malayalam film industry, leading to a significant stir. Seventeen cases of sexual harassment and abuse have been filed against Malayalam actors, including Siddique, Idamaraya Babu, Kollam MLA, Mukesh, Jayasuriya, Maniam Pillai Raju, director Ranjith and Nivin Pauly.
In response to these issues, a committee has been established to address complaints of sexual harassment in Tamil cinema, with actress Rohini leading the initiative. Lyricist Vairamuthu, when asked about the Hema Committee in Malayalam cinema, stated, “This Hema committee is a model that should be implemented in all states and critical sectors, including all districts in Tamil Nadu.”
“Women need protection not only in the film industry but across all sectors of the country. Women face exploitation and sexual harassment. Men and women are equals, and any attempt to undermine one gender reinforces the notion that it is weaker,” Vairamuthu added. He requested that girls should be trained to protect themselves and nurture their physical strength.
The statement has received some amount of backlash, considering that Vairamuthu himself is an accused during the MeToo movement. Vairamuthu has faced accusations of sexual harassment from several women in the film and music industries, including prominent figures such as Chinmayi Sripaada, Bhuvana Seshan and independent musician Sindhuja Rajaram. These survivors have previously shared their distressing experiences with TNM. Despite their testimonies, no action has been taken against Vairamuthu, and the survivors have encountered backlash.
Meanwhile, Vairamuthu continues to receive accolades at various events, including those hosted by political parties like the ruling DMK, with whom he has a long-standing connection. In 2018, the lyricist dismissed the MeToo movement as a “fashionable” trend. It is important to note that at the press conference where he made this statement, journalists were inquiring about the Hema Committee report rather than the allegations against him.
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