Days after alleged sexual harassers in the Indian media industry have been named and shamed on social media, beginning with the outing of comedian Utsav, women have also accused several popular, powerful men from the film industry in south India.
On Tuesday, singer Chinmayi accused Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu of sexual harassment, along with several women who have chosen to remain anonymous. In a veiled response on Wednesday, Vairamuthu said it was an attempt to humiliate him.
Malayalam actor Mukesh was accused of harassment by casting director Tess Joseph, and actress Divya Unni has made allegations against Malayalam director (late) Rajesh Pillai.
Anonymous allegations of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour have been made against other celebrities from the south, including Tamil actor Radha Ravi, Tamil actor TM Karthik, Tamil actor John Vijay, music composer Gopi Sunder, and singer-composer Raghu Dixit of the Raghu Dixit Project.
Following these allegations, a deafening silence descended over the industry with several men heading various bodies within the industries choosing to remain silent.
Here is a list of those who have spoken up in support of the women who have come forward with their stories:
Samantha, who has increasingly been speaking out against gender discrimination, took to Twitter and wrote, “I am so happy that more and more women are finding the strength to say #MeToo. Your bravery is commendable. I am sorry though that some people, even other women themselves will shame and burden you with the question of proof and doubt. Just know that you are saving many little girls with your voice. I support the #MeTooIndia movement.”
She voiced her appreciation for singer Chinmayi for her courage to call out Vairamuthu.
(1/2)I am so happy that more and more women are finding the strength to say #MeToo . Your bravery is commendable . I am sorry though that some people ,even other women themselves will shame and burden you with the question of proof and doubt. Just know that you are saving
— Samantha Akkineni (@Samanthaprabhu2) October 9, 2018
Actor Varalaxmi Sarathkumar also tweeted in support of the #MeToo movement, saying that it was "alarming" to hear these stories. She said that she'd stood up for #MeToo last year and that she wanted more women to come forward and speak up.
It’s alarming to hear the number of #metoo stories.They say it’s better late than never.Thank you to all the women that r being so strong to come out with their stories I stood up last year #metoo I urge every woman affected to stand up,we need to fight for our rights #TimesUp pic.twitter.com/5EgWmTTCxL
— varu sarathkumar (@varusarath) October 9, 2018
Singer Shaktishree Gopalan praised Chinmayi for her immense courage to come forward and expose predators who are in positions of power.
I have only love,respect & admiration for @Chinmayi -not just fr the brilliant artist she is, but also fr being fiercely honest and doing the right thing. It takes immense courage to come forward and expose predators who are in positions of power.#believewomen #istandwithchinmayi
— Shakthisree Gopalan (@ShakthisreeG) October 9, 2018
Actor Siddharth has come out in support of the MeToo movement, specifically naming Vairamuthu and calling for women to be heard without judgement. He also defended Chinmayi for coming forward despite having a lot to lose. On Wednesday, in a tweet tagging the President of the Nadigar Sangam and the Tamil Film Producers Council, Vishal, Siddharth called for a meeting.
Multiple women are speaking out against Kavignar #Vairamuthu. Without judging anyone, they must be heard. When somebody of @Chinmayi's stature who has so much to lose, stands by the accusers, that's huge! There will be investigation. First step #ListenToTheAccuser #MeToo #Timesup
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) October 9, 2018
#TamilCinema took to the streets when #Jayalalithaa was arrested on corruption charges. I have faith that #ProducersCouncil and #NadigarSangam will come together soon and create a safe environment for survivors in this movement. Let's talk @VishalKOfficial #MeToo #Timesup
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) October 10, 2018
Tamil film director CS Amudhan also defended Chinmayi for coming forward at this time, saying it was absolutely selfless of her.
Ok for all who are asking me, @Chinmayi is at the absolute top of her game. A film she dubbed & sang every song for is being celebrated through out the land. She didn’t need to do this. She had to be absolutely selfless to what she did. Give her a break
— C.S.Amudhan (@csamudhan) October 9, 2018
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan spoke on the MeToo movement at the Hindustan Times leadership summit in response to a question by journalist Zakka Jacob.
When asked if the time for the movement has come, he said, "Yes, we must have these conversations. All industries must have these conversations. Because of its high profile, in most industries, most men vie for power. These things happen. But here it is more obvious. It is a glamour world. It is closer to these kind of things. But we should address it. Let's say we are living in times of Abraham Lincoln and suddenly MeToo movement, and everybody says yes, I was a slave too, I was from Africa too, what's wrong with that? I think they should say that. MeToo movement should be fair."
He further agreed that this is the moment to address sexual harassment of women at the workplace. "Yes, we must address it, especially when we've addressed adultery. We are coming to that balance. We were the people who respected sati (the practice of burning Hindu widows on their dead husband's pyre). We changed it. We legislated it out of existence. These are signs of progress. Whatever generation you belong to, we must not shy away from it.”
.@ikamalhaasan about #MeToo Moment pic.twitter.com/VCGUeo4up2
— KamalHaasanFans (@KamalHaasanFans) October 9, 2018
Actor Prakash Raj supported the movement, calling upon women to come forward and give it back to their predators.
“This country to coming terms and the movement is catching up. If a woman comes up and says 'I have been abused,' it has to be looked into. Vairamuthu has the right to say it is a lie, he has to prove it is a lie. You cannot victimise Chinmayi or any woman for that matter. In this country, where things are opening up and women are asking questions, it is time that we as a society use this moment and see to it that this stops somewhere and people who have committed have to be brought to book,” he said.
#MeToo ...this is an EPIDEMIC in all walks of life....to be DONE WITH in our SOCIETY...more power to you WOMAN ... YOU CAN DO IT ..come out and give it back.....continue #justasking ... https://t.co/jvPjealhCi
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 10, 2018
Velaiyilla Pattathari actor Amitash Pradhan also batted for Chinmayi, expressing hope that it encourages other women to come forward.
Amazing stuff @Chinmayi !! Hoping this encourages women across the state and country to come out and speak openly. It’s high time. It’s time they spoke about the REAL perpetrators of this kind of behaviour. However daunting it may seem, please don’t be scared. Speak freely... :) https://t.co/6SxwgQMukZ
— Amitashh Pradhan (@amitashpradhan) October 9, 2018
Character artiste Mohan Raman also came out in support of Chinmayi saying that the women who waited to speak up were just scared human victims.
Arasan andrey kolvaan, deivam nindru kollum. Those who waited to speak up are neither royalty nor divinity just ordinary, scared human victims. May God grant all of them strength. @Chinmayi support the truth and nothing but the truth.
— Mohan Raman (@actormohanraman) October 9, 2018