New Delhi: The #MeToo Campaign has indeed unmasked many sexual predators who have for years misused their power and position to sexually exploit female workers.
Joining the list, Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar recently broke down during an interview while talking about the harassment claims made against him by Meesha Shafi in April 2018.
He was invited to speak at the show Naya Pakistan on Geo News where he maintained he had never harassed Shafi.
Denying the charges, Zafar said: “I don’t know why she is doing this, one should ask her.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L9we8ndQ-s&feature=player_embedded
Shafi has also moved the court against Zafar and to the accusations leveled against him, Zafar filed a Rs 100 crore defamation suit against Shafi.
In the 30-minute programme hosted by the channel, Zadar said that Meesha Shafi has always been a family friend and even their kids also played together.
But while he was recalling the accusations, Zafar suddenly broke down when he elaborated that there is a social media campaign against him.
Upset over online trolls targeting him on twitter, he blames shafi behind this trolling.
Not only did the false accusation disturbed him and his family but these accusations have also hampered his employment opportunities he said.
He recalled the suicide committed by Mexican singer Armando Vega Gil in similar harassment allegations.
Looking directly into the camera, Zafar said: “We have both known each other for a long time. My kids have played with yours. I still urge you to block out all voices and just isolate yourself and connect to God and end this. If you take one step forward, I will take ten steps forward.”
“I am truthful and those who are honest appear without being called,” Zafar said.
“Was this done because she [Meesha Shafi] is going to Canada and her immigration is happening?” he asked.
Zafar’s wife, Ayesha, strongly supports her husband. She has also backed his claims and shared on Twitter, “What me, my husband @AliZafarsays and my family have gone through at the hands of such criminal cruelty can never be explained in words. The cyberbullying & betrayal by friend(s) has been a big eye opener. Even if Ali lets it go, I will see through it. #FaceTheCourtMeeshaShafi”
Meanwhile Meesha Shafi’s lawyer Nighat Dad has said that the court hasn’t called Meesha yet but she “will go once court will direct her to.”