Meesha Shafi shook the nation yesterday with her shocking tweet that accused her colleague Ali Zafar for sexual exploitation and physical abuse.
In a long post, the songstress boldly revealed how she became a victim of harassment by Ali Zafar
Sharing this because I believe that by speaking out about my own experience of sexual harassment, I will break the culture of silence that permeates through our society. It is not easy to speak out.. but it is harder to stay silent. My conscience will not allow it anymore #MeToo pic.twitter.com/iwex7e1NLZ
— Meesha Shafi (@itsmeeshashafi) April 19, 2018
Well! After this strong accusation, it was only a matter of time before Ali Zafar would respond to such allegations.
However, instead of calling Meesha out on social media, he chose to handle the matter differently.
Replying to Meesha’s allegations, Ali wrote,
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 19, 2018
The two parties have stirred up quite a storm on social media and a battle of the sexes has begun.
While there are some who are seen staunchly supporting Meesha and calling out Ali for such behavior, the other side seems to be sticking by him and supporting him.
With the matter quickly escalating, many were waiting for the prominent figures from the Pakistani media industry to react. And react they did!
Surprised to the core, these celebs had never imagined such a scenario as this one but were seen lending their support to the two through their tweets.
And it seems that they too are torn between “who’s right and who’s wrong” here. A clear division has been drawn as each took to the internet to express their opinion on the matter.
Celebrities supporting Meesha Shafi
Iffat Omar: ‘Why would she do this if she is not hurt?’
Urwa Hocane:’More power to you’
More power to you ! @itsmeeshashafi 👊🏻 https://t.co/aN8m8zNQq6
— URWA HOCANE (@VJURWA) April 19, 2018
Osman Khalid Butt: ‘A woman breaks her silence about abuse’
A woman breaks her silence about abuse, withstands character assassination & further abuse on social media, her story turns into memes & tone-deaf jokes that trivialize the issue, she fears ostracization – but suuuuure, she did it for the cheap publicity. https://t.co/eDeOpXYUox
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) April 19, 2018
Reham Khan: ‘Proud of this gutsy woman’
Proud of this gutsy woman. That's my kind of rockstar! More power to women who stand up to predators. https://t.co/KT07tU6N8f
— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) April 19, 2018
‘Bina Shah: Men get away with sexual harassment in a culture of silence’
Men get away with sexual harassment in a culture of silence, where women are blamed for being treated inappropriately & for speaking up about said harassment. We have to change our culture, believe & support women brave enough to speak up. Enough. #MeToo #meeshashafi #AliZafar
— Bina Shah (@BinaShah) April 19, 2018
Marvi Simed: ‘Respects for #SilenceBreakers’
Respects for #SilenceBreakers, let #MeToo roll-in in Pakistan https://t.co/oTix48yg94
— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) April 19, 2018
Amir Liaquat too had something to say in support of Meesha.
میشا شفیع @itsmeeshashafi ایک مضبوط خاندانی تعارف رکھتی ہیں, کسی سے ڈرتی نہیں اور دو بچوں کی ماں ہیں لہذا اگر وہ ثبوت کے ساتھ کہہ رہی ہیں تو درست کہہ رہی ہوں گی مجھے ان کی باتوں میں سچائی نظر آتی ہے pic.twitter.com/2zUeTdOdEY
— Aamir Liaquat Husain (@AamirLiaquat) April 19, 2018
Celebrities supporting Ali Zafar
With such strong allegations against the popular actor and singer, many from the media industry just could not believe this of him and came out in support.
Mehreen Raheal: ‘You are a star’
May Ali: ‘I respect this man’
And then there were some who chose to remain neutral about the whole matter.
Mahira Khan generally spoke on the matter and slammed haters for cashing on the issue
The sick mentality of those commenting on an issue as serious as sexual harassment as casually as they are just shows where the root of this problem exists – in our minds. We will continue to breed harassers for as long as we continue to desensitise this issue.
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) April 20, 2018
Armeena Rana Khan also give her two cents on the matter!
Ok! so let’s not judge till all goes through the courts. However, I am horrified at the personal attacks against #Meesha based on her occupation and gender. “These actresses and singers dress inappropriately so they deserve it.” WHAT?! What a bunch of degenerates! Yuck! 🤮
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) April 20, 2018
I’m not saying that she’s wrong and he’s right or that he’s wrong and she’s right; that’s for the courts to decide BUT the reaction from some ppl has been utterly disgraceful. This culture of shame is what leads to rape and little girls being killed. What a sordid affair. #Sad
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) April 20, 2018
Hamza Ali Abbasi also did not shy away from speaking up!
Random thought: With this entire #MeToo global epidemic on the rise, I am beginning to realise that ISLAM was right all along when it ordains gap between the 2 genders. So called modernism has brought us to a point where the line between flirting & harassment is insanely blurred.
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) April 20, 2018
FOR EXAMPLE: The man flirts, the woman doesn't tell him she is feeling uncomfortable, maybe he is in a position of power or other reasons, the man takes it as consent, the woman years later comes out saying she got harassed & the guy keeps thinking he just flirted with consent! https://t.co/muXaEZCH6b
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) April 20, 2018
In any case, #MeToo is a very serious issue globally no matter whose side you are on. Ahh, only if we (including me) listen to what Quran said 1400 yrs ago "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (not look at a woman with lust) and guard their modesty" QURAN 24:30
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) April 20, 2018
Actor Feroze Khan too voiced his opinion on the matter, however, his comment seemed to be a bit cryptic.
Here’s what he wrote.
Yahan sab bikta hai.
— Feroze Khan (@ferozekhaan) April 19, 2018
Fakhr-e-Alam too chose to remain neutral and wrote:
Idiots who are thinking I am by any means dismissing allegations or taking sides need to know I am in shock & I find no amusement in this situation. But cuz I know both @AliZafarsays & @itsmeeshashafi I am just hoping this is a bad misunderstanding & if true must be consequential
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) April 19, 2018
And then there’s Mishi Khan, who seems to be so shocked by the whole unfortunate incident, expressed her opinion through a series of tweets.
Extremely shocking. @QaisarJamshed @jawadhraja @KaiwanR @kamranhraja1 @ShahbanoJ @ https://t.co/e1R3aGOEnT
— Mishi khan (@mishilicious) April 19, 2018
#MeeshaShafi It's unbelievable. I am just short of words. It's really unfortunate that such things are happening. I pray that all goes well. I am shocked.
— Mishi khan (@mishilicious) April 19, 2018
#AliZafar knowing him from a long time it's really unbelievable. He is a mature person. Hope all goes well.. Very unfortunate. Am really sad & perturbed.
— Mishi khan (@mishilicious) April 19, 2018
#MeeshaShafi Not that I am being judgemental but just a thought that why did it take so long to reveal this as you should have warned or slapped him in the first instance rather being silent till the 3rd time. It's a bit confusing but hope all goes well.
— Mishi khan (@mishilicious) April 19, 2018
Well! We are sure that this is one storm that isn’t going to die down soon. And if the matter is taken to court like Ali has said, then let’s just say that this will be a war that will shake the media industry like no other!
What are your views on this matter? Are you in support of Meesha or Ali or prefer to remain neutral?
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