- By Swati Singh
- Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Actor John Vijay, well-known for his roles in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi films, has been accused of harassment once again. The allegations were brought to light by singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who received the complaints and shared screenshots on X (formerly known as Twitter).
A few days ago, while reporting on the ongoing sexual misconduct issues in the Malayalam film industry, particularly focusing on the high-profile 2017 case involving actor Dileep, a reporter from The News Minute shared her own troubling experience. According to her, while she was waiting to interview someone, actor John Vijay made inappropriate advances towards her. This incident has added another layer to the already intense scrutiny of sexual misconduct in the film industry, highlighting the pervasive nature of such behaviour.
Since that incident, singer Chinmayi Sripaada has shared multiple screenshots from several women who have accused actor John Vijay of inappropriate behaviour. These women have detailed various instances where the actor allegedly leered at them and made them feel uncomfortable in different environments, such as workplaces, pubs, and restaurants. The allegations point to a pattern of behaviour where the actor's actions caused distress and unease among the women.
The singer shared the screenshots on X and wrote, “After The Newsminute report about the Sexual Assault case of Malayalam cinema also mentioned John Vijay for his misdemeanour with the journalist. There are other women speaking about his behaviour in general,” adding, “More on John Vijay from others who read the post. One of them interviewed him on camera.”
After The Newsminute report about the Sexual Assault case of Malayalam cinema also mentioned John Vijay for his misdemeanour with the journalist
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) July 26, 2024
There are other women speaking about his behaviour in general. pic.twitter.com/AfeLgdC0lY
It is pertinent to note that John has not yet responded to the allegations, but in 2018, he said in a conversation with Firstpost, “Am a very transparent person who speaks my heart out. Not with any intentions or ulterior motives. I have understood that at times my jokes are not funny to everyone and may sound insensitive. When I really sense that someone doesn’t appreciate what I say, is not on the same page and I am misunderstood, I remove myself from having further conversation or being present at that place.”
“I really do not remember the incidents quoted on Twitter, I have not met these people anywhere alone nor asked them out either. If my comments, that I thought was funny and witty, would have hurt any one at any point of time I would like to take this opportunity to inform that I am also very emotionally hurt by my behaviour. This would be my lesson to know what to say to whom and when. I completely support this #metoo move movement. If I had not been pulled in I would have been one among the first to voice this cause and support this movement,” he went on to state.