MeToo wave has hit music composer Anu Malik. According to reports, Malik has been asked to step down as Indian Idol 10 judge after multiple sexual harassment accusations.
After four women, which includes singers Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit accused Malik of sexual harassment, a former Indian Idol producer Danica D’souza has revealed that she is aware of two more women who’ve had similar encounter with the music composer when she worked with Freemantle Media during Indian Idol 5.
Danica, who is currently based in New York spoke to Mid-Day and said, “This incident occurred in Kolkata. One of our colleagues from the production crew was travelling with a cameraman and Malik in a car to get sound bites. When she returned, she looked traumatised and told us of the unfortunate incident. She said once they had wrapped up their work, Malik touched her thigh in the car, and felt her up. She was startled. The cameraman who was sitting in the front seat wasn’t aware of what was going on behind him.”
She also revealed that Malik used to be extra-friendly on set with women crew members, casually putting his hand around them, or pulling them towards him. She also said that the channel and the makers were well aware of his behaviour with women and wonders what kept them mum.
According to a source close to the channel, Anu Malik has been asked to step down as Indian Idol judge and will not be shooting for the show anymore. (Agencies)