Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association demand answers from Sajid Khan
The Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association on Monday issued a show cause notice to filmmaker Sajid Khan in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Khan, who has helmed films like ‘Heyy Baby’ (2007), ‘Housefull’ (2010), ‘Housefull 2’ (2012), ‘Humshakals’ (2014) and ‘Himmatwala’ (2013) among other films, has been accused of sexual harassment by four women – a journalist, his former assistant and two actors – Rachel White and Simran Suri, reports Times Now.
The notice issued to the filmmaker reads, “We were literally shocked to receive the email complaints of Ms Karishma Upadhyay, an eminent journalist, Ms Rachel White and Ms Simran Suri, both aspiring actors against you for outraging the modesty of the women by abusing your power as director of films Humshakals and Himmatwala.”
“Your lewd and obscene actions have brought disrepute to Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. We, therefore, want an explanation from you for such offensive behaviour within seven days of the receipt of the notice for further action as per the rules and regulations… In case of no reply, ex-parte decision would be taken.”
Soon after the accusations against him gained momentum on social media, Khan had issued a public statement stating that he “must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post”. His full statement read, “In the wake of the allegations against me & the pressure being put on my family, my producer n the stars of my film Houseful 4, i must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time i can allay the allegations and prove the truth.. I request my friends in the media to kindly not pass judgement till the truth is out.”
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