#MeToo: Sonu Nigam defends Anu Malik against sexual harassment allegations
What's the story
Singer Sonu Nigam has come out in support of his music director friend Anu Malik, who was accused of sexual misconduct by several women.
After #MeToo wave hit India, at least four women alleged Malik harassed them.
Defending him, Sonu slammed the accusers for 'naming' Malik 'without any proof' and called the allegations an attempt to tarnish his image.
Here's more.
Backstory
Shweta Pandit, Sona Mohapatra had accused Malik of sexual harassment
To recall, singers Shweta Pandit and Sona Mohapatra had shared their harrowing incidents and accused Malik of sexual misconduct.
After Shweta and Sona's revelations, two other women mustered the courage to speak against Malik and his predatory behavior.
Notably, the music director had rubbished the allegations leveled on him. His lawyer also released a statement and claimed Shweta's story was false and baseless.
Anu sacked
Post that, Malik was sacked from 'Indian Idol 10'
In the wake of multiple sexual harassment allegations, Malik, who was judging Indian Idol 10, was asked to leave the show.
He has been associated with the singing reality show since its inception.
Confirming his exit, Malik had said he was taking a break as he was unable to focus on his work.
But seems he still enjoys 'support' in the industry.
Sonu's statement
Sonu demands a proof from the accusers
Expressing his views on Malik's controversy, Sonu, during a media event, asked for a proof from the accusers in the case.
He emphasized that people are blindly trusting the accusers who have no proof against Malik, which isn't fair.
"You accused him without any proof; let's accept that. Despite that, people are respecting the accusers, who are tarnishing Anu Malik's name," Sonu added.
Sonu supports Anu
You can't be a judge of someone else's life: Sonu
Sonu, who has also judged Indian Idol with Malik, questioned his ban and said that no one has the right to be a judge of someone else's life.
He said that while Anu has been shamed for allegations without proof, one can't snatch his bread and butter, and torture his family.
"You have accused him, shamed him; now don't punish his family," Sonu added.