The sexual harassment allegation against singer Ali Zafar by fellow singer Meesha Shafi seems to have divided celebrities into groups, with many speaking in favor of the star while others taking Meesha side
Many Pakistani celebrities have extended their support for Ali, even though many women have come forward and accused the singer of sexual harassment ever since Meesha accused her fellow singer of sexual misconduct.
While many of the twitter users are busy shaming Ali over these accusations, many celebrities are supporting the ‘Rockstar’. Ali’s co-star Maya Ali from his upcoming movie ‘Teefa in Trouble’ has even issued a statement through her Instagram post saying that he is a devoted husband and a father.
A post shared by Maya Ali (@official_mayaali) on
Other celebrities who came in support of the star includes controversial TV celebrity Waqar Zaka, who in a way publicly shamed Meesha for her claims, while another actress Maya Khan also believes that no one should judge without hearing what Ali has to say. The actress shared a video on her twitter account in which she spoke about the issue.
Jab tak larki ko acha lagta hai , "its healthy flirt", jab larki ka mood na ho tu "sexual harassment". Larki num mangay tu "its just for fun" , Larka num mangay tu "its Tharkipan". If it's not a publicity stunt tu phelay Court mei file karti Madam, Social media kyun? #Meesha
— Waqar Zaka (@ZakaWaqar) April 20, 2018
Salam all,
My only request is to wait and see what the other side of the picture Is!
Jo sach hai vo samnay aey ga.
Wishing everyone a blessed night.
Please give ur feedback if u think it's fair to wait for the other side too.1 of 2
#MayaKhan #MeeshaShafi #AliZafar pic.twitter.com/V4HLNdNZex— Maya Khan® (@mayaghinakhan) April 19, 2018
Salam all,
My only request is to wait and see what the other side of the picture Is!
Jo sach hai vo samnay aey ga.
Wishing everyone a blessed night.
Please give ur feedback if u think it's fair to wait for the other side too.2 of 2#MayaKhan #MeeshShafi #AliZafar pic.twitter.com/oG0QilDzWV
— Maya Khan® (@mayaghinakhan) April 19, 2018
However, there is a group of celebrities who have spoken up in support of Meesha. Pakistani actor/actresses including Mahira Khan, Iffat Umer, Usman Khalid Butt and Urwa Hocane did not shy away from extending their support to the singer.
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
More power to you ! @itsmeeshashafi https://t.co/aN8m8zNQq6
— URWA HOCANE (@VJURWA) April 19, 2018
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
Meanwhile, another popular actress Armeena Khan criticised all those who are bashing Meesha for accusing Ali. Although she did not declare her support for neither Ali, nor Hamza, she still said that this culture of shame is what leads to rape and little girls being killed.
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
Another controversial actor and self-proclaimed social activist Hamza Ali Abbasi also weighed in the matter with the cryptic tweet, bringing religion in the mix.
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
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