#MeToo: Aamir Khan steps away from working with accused

In the wake of India's very own #MeToo movement, Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao have decided to step aside from doing a film with an accused.

The 'Thugs of Hindostan' actor took to his Twitter handle to put out a statement, on behalf of his production house, that said, "At Aamir Khan Production we have always had a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour of any kind."

"Two weeks ago, when traumatic #Metoo stories began emerging, it was brought to our attention that someone we were about to work with has been accused of sexual misconduct. Upon enquiry we found that this particular case is subjudice, and that the lagal process is in motion," the statement signed by both Amir Khan and Kiran Rao added.

 

Clarifying their take on the matter, Aamir mentioned that they would no longer engage with the person.

"We are not an investigative agency, nor are we in any position to pass judgment on anyone involved in this case, and without coming to any conclusions about these specifics allegation, we have decided to step away from this film," it added.

Referring to the recent cases of sexual harassment allegations levelled against various celebrities, the statement said, "We believe that this is an opportunity for the film industry to introspect and take concrete steps towards change. For far too long women have faced the brunt of sexual exploitation. It has to stop. In this regard, we are committed to doing any and everything to make out film industry a safe and happy one to work in."

The #MeToo movement began a year ago in Hollywood after The New York Times and The New Yorker published several stories about decades-long predation of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Following her revelation, accusations are being levelled against some powerful personalities in media and the entertainment industry.

The movement gained momentum in India after Tanushree Dutta accused veteran actor Nana Patekar of harassing her, while she was shooting for a special song for a film 'Horn 'Ok' Pleassss' in 2008. Following the revelation, many more such cases have come into the light.