“I have to say that it does happen to men as well."
Bollywood star Sunny Leone has voiced her opinion regarding the #MeToo Movement in India and states that she lives “in a bubble.”
The #MeToo Movement is a stand against sexual harassment and assault. It was founded in 2006 and was aimed to support survivors of sexual abuse.
The movement created a major impact in the west, gradually spreading across to the east and into Bollywood in 2019.
It entered Bollywood when Tanushree Dutta recalled an unpleasant moment in her life. Veteran actor Nana Patellar allegedly sexually misbehaved with her on the set of Horn ‘OK’ Pleassss (2009).
The actress claimed that Nana inappropriately touched her when they were shooting for a song in the film.
However, Nana Patekar was cleared of this allegation due to a lack of evidence.
This gradually led to more dark truths emerging from Bollywood. Women began naming and shaming sexual predators that used their position to exploit the vulnerable.
Names like Vikas Bahl, Chetan Bhagat, Kailash Kher, Gursimran Khamba, Rajat Kapoor, Alok Nath, Sajid Khan and Anu Malik were bought to light.I
In an interaction with IANS, Sunny Leone was asked about the change that occurred with the #MeToo Movement. She explained:
“I don’t work in an office. I live in a bubble but I do think and I do believe that the more women talk about these issues of sexual harassment or (instances of people) making them feel uncomfortable at work, whether it is women or men.
“I have to say that it does happen to men as well. It is just not recognised because ‘he is a guy what is the big deal.’”
She continued to mention how is it important for victims to speak out against such acts of sexual harassment. Sunny said:
“If someone is bothering them at the workspace or someplace else, the more that they speak up, the more they make it aware that no it is not okay. I think yes things will change.”
Sunny went on to add how the media should impact the way people think. She said:
“Especially when so many things have come out through social media, media outlets that I have to assume that people are thinking twice that ‘oh am I being videotaped, recorded or will she have a moment (in the future).’
“I am sure that it makes (such) people uncomfortable.”
Sunny further added that she was happy that the importance of consent was included in the web series, Ragini MMS Returns Season 2 (2019).
In the web series, Sunny Leone had a cameo appearance as a paranormal expert.
The #MeToo Movement has been creating waves in India and worldwide. We hope to see a change in the way sexual harassment is dealt with.
Loading ...