Ali Zafar responds to Meesha Shafi's allegations of sexual harassment, read full statement

Pakistani singer Meesha Shafi took the Internet by storm on Thursday afternoon when she alleged that Ali Zafar has sexually harassed her on more than one occasion. She wrote a long post on Twitter saying,  "It is not easy to speak out.. but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore #MeToo" 

Many eminent women from Hollywood and across the world speaking out in the public and are naming shaming the accused in #MeToo and #Time'sUp movement on social media.  Meesha Shafi took to her Twitter account and wrote, “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 despite the fact that I am an empowered, accomplished woman who is known for speaking her mind! This happened to me as a mother of two children."

Within hours of Meesha's allegations going puiblic, actor-turned singer also took to Twitter and wrote,  “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.”

He also hailed women speaking up against sexual harrasement and wrote,  “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. “

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— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 19, 2018

Meesha Shafi's claims were shocking for Ali Zafar fans in India as well.  The singer turned actor debuted in Bollywood with 'Tere Bin Laden' and went on to do films like 'Kill Dil' with Ranveer Singh and Parineeti Chopra, 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan' with Katrina Kaif, London Paris New York with Aditi Rao Hydari and 'Dear Zindagi' with Alia Bhatt. On the other hand, Meesha has appeared in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' in a small role. 

Let's just hope that the truth prevails.