Anu Malik steps down as judge from 'Indian Idol' following allegations of sexual harassment
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Multiple women have come forward and accused the composer of sexual harassment.
Music composer Anu Mallik has quit reality show 'Indian Idol'following allegations of sexual harassment surfaced against him. Malik served as a judge on the reality show along with singer Neha Kakkar and composer-singer Vishal Dadlani.
A statement issued by the channel, Sony Entertainment Television, on which the show airs, said, "Anu Malik is no longer a part of Indian Idol jury panel. The show will continue its planned schedule & we’ll invite some of the biggest names in Indian music as guests to join Vishal and Neha to judge the extraordinary talent of Indian Idol season 10.”
Malik also shared a statement saying he is taking a break from the show. “I, Anu Malik, have decided to take a break from Indian Idol as I am currently unable to focus on my work on the show. The channel has been kind to agree for the same. Thank you,” Malik said.
Multiple women have accused Malik of sexual harassment including singers Sona Mohapatra and Shweta Pandit.
Shweta had said in her post that she was just 15 when Malik made her uncomfortable by asking to kiss him. “Had to go back to my worst memory as a teenage girl today to write this and speak up - its now or never. This is my #MeToo and have to warn young girls about #AnuMalik & let you know your #TimesUp @IndiaMeToo. Thank you @sonamohapatra for speaking up about him & supporting this,” she wrote on Twitter.
Had to go back to my worst memory as a teenage girl today to write this and speak up - its now or never. This is my #MeToo and have to warn young girls about #AnuMalik & let you know your #TimesUp @IndiaMeToo
— Shweta Pandit (@ShwetaPandit7) October 17, 2018
Thank you @sonamohapatra for speaking up about him & supporting this pic.twitter.com/e261pGQyEq
Mohapatra had written in a post on Instagram earlier, "To all the young girls & women who are coming out with their experiences with this creep, journalists, ‘fans’ & even kids from college, know that you are not alone. This guy, #KailashKher is a serial predator & has been for years as are many others like Anu Malik in the industry. I cannot be tweeting about everyone cus I work 18 hour work days & have a life to live & breathe in.”
Malik has denied the allegations that have been levied on him.
Reports have suggested that music duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant may replace Malik in the show.