Divya
Meesha Shafi, a 39-year-old Pakistani singer, had accused actor Ali Zafar of sexually harassing her in 2018.
Amidst the #MeToo movement, Meesha’s complaints had flamed up instantly despite Ali’s claims of not having done anything.
As per a Peeping Moon report, Meesha Shafi is to face a three-year jail term in Pakistan. Earlier, Ali Zafar had pressed defamation charges against her and filed a complaint.
Ali also claimed that he didn’t touch Meesha inappropriately and her charges have caused ‘irreparable damages’ to his career. Apparently, the other eight women who also accused Ali on social media have been charged too. As for Meesha, she is currently in Canada and will return to Pakistan for work and it is also reported that her lawyers will challenge the case by Ali. Her statement said, “Which woman has got justice in a case of this nature and at what cost?”
In 2018, Meesha shared her complaint on Twitter saying, “I have been subjected, on more than one occasion, to sexual harassment of a physical nature at the hands of a colleague from my industry: Ali Zafar. These incidences did not happen when I was young, or just entering the industry. This happened to me even though I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind! This happened to me as a mother of two children.”
She says, “It has been an extremely traumatic experience for me and my family. Ali is someone I have known for many years and someone who I have shared the stage with. I feel betrayed by his attitude and I know that I am not alone.”
Ali also took to Twitter and DENIED all allegations against him.
“I am deeply aware and in support of the global #MeToo movement and what it stands for. I am the father of a young girl and a young boy, a husband to a wife and a son to a mother. I am a man that has stood up for myself, my family, my colleagues and friends countless times in the face of slander, defamation and general unkindness. I will do the same today. I have nothing to hide. Silence is absolutely not an option. I categorically deny any and all claims of harassment lodged against me by Ms Shafi. I intend to take this through the courts of law and to address this professionally and seriously rather than to lodge any allegations here, contesting personal vendettas on social media and in turn disrespecting the movement, my family, the industry and my fans. Ultimately I am a strong believer that the truth, always prevails,” Ali says.
