Mohanlal-led AMMA Issues Statement After #MeToo Accusations Lead To Dissolution Of Film Body

Mohanlal-led AMMA Members Resign: The Hema Committee Report has jolted the Malayalam film industry. Amid several accusations of sexual abuse by members of the body, all office bearers of the organisation led by actor Mohanlal have tendered their resignations. The official statement states that a new committee will be formed by election within two months and in the meantime the same executive committee will continue to function in the interim.

Why did Mohanlal resign from AMMA?

In the statement, as per OnManorama, the AMMA shared, “In light of allegations made by some actors against some of the committee members, AMMA has decided to dissolve the executive committee taking moral responsibility. A new committee will be formed after an election within two months." 

The statement further read, “We hope that a leadership that is capable of revamping and strengthening the association will take over soon. We are thankful to everyone for pointing out our errors.” This comes after on Sunday AMMA general secretary Siddique and chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and film icon Ranjith quit their posts. President of AMMA, superstar Mohanlal whose wife is hospitalised in Chennai had earlier expressed his inability to be present at Kochi to take part in the meeting and hence it took place online. 

What is the Hema Committee Report jolting Mollywood? 

Earlier this month, a redacted version of the Justice Hema Committee report on harassment faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry was made public. It contained shocking accounts alleging harassment, exploitation, and ill-treatment of women professionals. The 235-page report, published after redacting the names of witnesses and the accused, notes that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who dominate and exert control over the industry.
 

The report of the three-member panel headed by a former judge of the Kerala High Court and set up by the state government in 2017, was submitted to the Pinrayi Vijayan-led Kerala government in December 2019 and made public only this month. 
(With inputs from agency)