The Japanese woman who was molested by a group of men during Holi celebrations in Delhi has now spoken about the incident.
A viral video showed the young woman being grabbed and groped by the men whilst aggressively applying colour on her.
She screams for them to stop, however, the men continue harassing her, with one even smashing an egg over her.
At the end of the video, the woman – named Megumiko – is seen crying over the traumatising incident. She slaps one of the harassers before tearfully walking away.
Although she has not filed a complaint, police took notice of the incident and arrested three people, including a minor.
Action will be taken against the accused under the Delhi Police Act.
The Japanese woman has since left India and has now opened up about the incident.
In a series of tweets, she said: “On March 9th, I tweeted a video of the Indian festival Holi, but after that, the number of RTs and DMs increased more than I had imagined, and I was terrified, so I deleted the tweet.
“We sincerely apologise to those who were offended by the video.”
Megumiko went on to explain that she participated in Holi celebrations with 35 of her friends.
“I had heard that it was very dangerous for a woman to go out alone during the daytime at the Holi festival, an Indian festival that I participated in, so I participated in the event with a total of 35 other friends.
“Unfortunately, this kind of situation happened.
“The video that triggered the fire this time was not a scene in which a dedicated cameraman was being attacked on purpose, but a video taken by chance while another Japanese event participant was filming the scenery of the festival.
“I would appreciate it if you could understand that I was not trying to convey the abnormalities and damages of the Holi festival in India.
“It’s hard to see in the video, but the cameraman and other people are helping us along the way.
“The place where the video was filmed is considered to be one of the most unsafe places in India, and I participated in the festival.”
Describing the festival, she said: “The original Holi festival is a wonderful and fun traditional festival with the purpose of celebrating the arrival of spring by pouring coloured powder and water on each other and enjoying it regardless of skin colour or social status.”
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— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) March 10, 2023
Megumiko also apologised for causing concern.
“I would like to express my sincere apologies for causing concern and anxiety in many ways, even though my goal was to convey the positive aspects and joys of India. Really sorry.
“In the wake of this incident, the police have promised to strengthen their crackdown, and we hope that harassment against women will decrease significantly at the Holi festival from next year.
“And most of all, I love everything about India, I have been there many times and it is a fascinating country.
“It’s a wonderful country that you can’t hate even if you receive this incident. India and Japan will forever be Tomodachi (friends).”
Many Indian Twitter users voiced their anger at the harassers while also urging the Japanese woman not to blame herself for her terrible ordeal.
One said:
“There is no reason for you to apologise. Indian men who ‘play’ Holi owe an apology to you. Be well and take care.”
Another wrote: “You have nothing to apologise for. I’m deeply ashamed of my countrymen and so sorry you had to go through this experience.
“Please stay safe and do not hesitate to call out the horrible parts of Indian culture.
“Loving a culture or a place does not mean you can’t criticise it.”
A third commented: “I am sorry on behalf of the uncouth individuals who harassed you, intimidated you, and made you feel like you have to be sorry for whatever happened to you.”
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