#MeToo: After Chetan Bhagat's tweets, Ira Trivedi releases mail trail
The mud-slinging between writers Chetan Bhagat and Ira Trivedi is getting dirtier by the day, with the latter accusing the former of sexual harassment. While Chetan refuted Ira's claims by tweeting her email in which she mentioned 'Miss u kiss u' (sic), the '10 Minute Yoga Solution' writer has released follow up emails. In an article for The Quint, Ira slammed Chetan.
Backstory: Ira says #MeToo, Chetan refutes sexual harassment claims
Amid the #MeToo storm which named many sexual predators, Ira mentioned her sour experience with Chetan. She wrote about his misconduct and added he groped her friend when they were abroad. As a rebuttal to Ira's claims, Chetan posted an email she sent to him which hinted she was quite comfortable in his company, and the 'miss u kiss u' phrase helped his case.
In response to Ira's email, Chetan wrote another one
But looks like there is more to this story. In her article, she posted the email Chetan sent as a response. He wrote about his Yoga teacher, who helped him a lot, and his plans, which included his wife Anusha's birthday celebrations. Further, the email read, "miss u...aww thanks kiss you hmm...really. Figure of speech or something changing around here? (sic)".
In yet another email, Chetan wonders about 'K' question
The email trail didn't end there. She shot an email to Chetan saying she would love to hear more about the Yoga teacher, highlighted how Diwali would keep her busy, and how she isn't in the mood to work on the new novel. Later, Chetan wrote another email to tell about the yoga teacher and asked Ira why she dodged the K (kiss) question.
Didn't respond to Mr. Bhagat's email, writes Ira
"After his previous pass at me, I had firmly and clearly told Mr. Bhagat NO. I did not respond to Mr. Bhagat's questions in my next e-mail. I realized that I had made a big mistake by shooting off this e-mail in a hurry," Ira wrote.
About inviting Chetan to book launch, Ira has a rebuttal
On Chetan's allegations that she invited him to her book launch, Ira wrote, "The book that he mentions is Gumrah based on the TV Series on Channel V. I had been paid by the channel to put the TV series into a book format". Back then she assumed it would be best to finish her professional duties. She thought he'd 'behave decently in public'.
Ira highlights the section under which Chetan committed offenses
Further, Ira said Chetan's behavior wasn't only inappropriate but illegal too. She wrote him demanding kisses are offenses under Sections 509 and 354A of the IPC. She wrote he committed an offense under Section 354D and 503 of the IPC by releasing her emails. "Chetan Bhagat is being served with a legal notice regarding the same by my counsel on my behalf," Ira revealed.
Chetan wants to quash the #MeToo movement, Ira alleges
"I have been shocked at the stories of the young women who have reached out to me saying that they have been his victims. By silencing me through his false, unverified tweets Mr. Bhagat has tried to scare women away and quash the #MeToo movement," Ira wrote.
