#MeToo | Anu Malik To Step Down As Judge For 'Indian Idol 10' Post Sexual Assault Allegations?

Anu Malik was recently caught in the whirlwind of the ongoing #Metoo movement. The veteran music composer has been accused of sexual harassment by singers Shweta Pandit and Sona Mohapatra. Recently, two more victims came forward and accused the 'Indian Idol' judge. 

Read | #MeToo | Singer Shweta Pandit Accuses Anu Malik Of Sexual Misconduct

As per reports, Anu Malik who is a co-judge alongside Neha Kakkar and Vishal Dadlani, on the 10th season of the reality singing show will be stepping down from his position. Reportedly, Ever since the allegations against Anu Malik came to the foray, the channel, who takes the matters related to sexual harassment very seriously, had been internally discussing the matter and has now decided to drop Anu as the judge till the further case is investigated. Apparently, he won't be shooting any further episodes and an official announcement on the same by the channel is expected shortly.

Meanwhile, the first survivor narrated her ordeal from back in 1990 when she met Anu Malik for the first time. She said, 'He rubbed his body against me'. A few days later when she met the singer at his house, he tried to get close to her and Malik reportedly lifted the victim's skirt and dropped his pants, and suddenly when the doorbell rang, he caught hold of the victim and threatened her to keep quiet about it. 

Read | #MeToo | Anu Malik Accused Of Sexual Assault Yet Again, 'He Rubbed His Body Against Me', Says Victim

Another victim shared her harassment story and said that she had met Anu Malik while she was still a struggler in the industry and during their second meeting at Sahara Studios in Goregaon he asked her if she had a boyfriend. When she said no, he said 'you must be so lonely'. He then asked her to wear a chiffon saree for the next time they meet. When she tried to leave, he grabbed her and hugged her while running his hands over her body. They were in a soundproof recording studio hence she could not even scream. She pushed him away which is when he said that “I am happy with my wife, I am a sensitive man.”

As of now, Anu Malik has denied Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit’s allegations and called it ridiculous and baseless. His response to the recent allegations is much awaited.