Women, who accused filmmaker Sajid Khan of sexual harassment, have reacted angrily on the denial issued by him to the Indian Films & Television Directors’ Association. In his statement, Sajid apologised for causing ’embarrassment’ to the IFTDA while denying charges levelled against him.
The statement issued by him said, “I apologise to IFTDA if any embarrassment has been caused to the association by the alleged accusation against me. These allegations have not only caused irreparable harm to my career, but more importantly, grieved my mother and sister immensely. At the outset, I deny the complaints levelled against me as stated in your notice. I humbly request you to not to form any one-sided judgement. I am always happy to extend any cooperation to my association.”
His apology followed by denial of allegations did not go down well with the women, who alleged serious sexual misconduct against him. Rachel White wrote, “Are we waiting for a first time case where the accused admits he’s guilty ? ? A habitual offender with more than 5 complaints calls us liars now?” Her subsequent tweet read, “The Liar list for Mr Sajid Khan ! @redheadchopra @karishmau @whitespeaking @29simran @manizhe @priyankabose20 Ask him to deny on our faces ! @DirectorsIFTDA @FwiceMumbai No Sir we didn’t wake up one morning bored and decide to gather some courage and speak up !!! #MeTooIndia”
The Liar list for Mr Sajid Khan ! @redheadchopra @karishmau @whitespeaking @29simran @manizhe @priyankabose20 Ask him to deny on our faces ! @DirectorsIFTDA @FwiceMumbai No Sir we didn’t wake up one morning bored and decide to gather some courage and speak up !!! #MeTooIndia pic.twitter.com/RVtWrGXfb6
— Rachel White (@whitespeaking) October 31, 2018
Actor Saloni Chopra, another woman, who accused Sajid of sexually assaulting and torturing her, wrote that the IFTDA should invite the alleged victims too when they meet the Housefull director. She wrote, “I would absolutely love to be part of that meeting. @SimplySajidK should tell us he thinks we’re ALL lying to our face instead of running away from what he’s done. If any damage was done to his family and ours, it’s him who’s solely accountable.”
I would absolutely love to be part of that meeting. @SimplySajidK should tell us he thinks we’re ALL lying to our face instead of running away from what he’s done. If any damage was done to his family and ours, it’s him who’s solely accountable. https://t.co/hFPcgIaUzP
— Saloni Chopra (@redheadchopra) October 31, 2018
According to several media reports, the IFTDA has called Sajid to meet the members of its Internal Complaints Committee on 1 November.
The association said in a statement, “We have scheduled a meeting of IFTDA ICC on Thursday, November 1 at IFTDA office to hear you for the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act enquiry, which is based on the principle of natural justice and the alleged harasser is provided an opportunity before any disciplinary action is taken. Therefore, attend the meeting as scheduled.”
The IFTDA has not yet responded if it will invite the women including Saloni, Rachel and Simran Kaur to be present when Sajid is invite to depose before the committee.
