Mollywood MeToo: Actor Jayasurya denies sexual harassment charges, says he will fight it legally

Several Mollywood film personalities including veteran actor Siddique and filmmaker Ranjith Balakrishnan have been accused of sexual harassment charges after the Justice Hema Committee Report came to the fore.

Two actresses have filed cases against Jayasurya, which he claimed are false.

"I have decided to move forward with this legally. My legal team will be looking after the rest of the proceedings regarding this case. False allegations are easy to make for anyone who lacks a conscience. I only hope one realises that facing a false accusation of harassment is just as painful as the harassment itself," Jayasurya said in an Instagram post.

"A lie always travels faster than the truth but I believe truth will prevail. All the legal proceedings to prove my innocence will continue. I have complete faith in our judicial system. Thank you to those who contributed to making this birthday the most painful one," he added.

Actress Minu Muneer has accused Jayasurya and M Mukesh of sexual harassment during the shooting of a film in 2013.

Speaking to NDTV, the actor shared: "I had a bitter experience while shooting for a film. I had gone to the toilet and when I came out, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and kissed me without my consent. I was shocked and I ran out," she said, adding that the actor offered her more work if she was willing to be with him.

The 235-page Justice Hema Committee report, published after speaking with witnesses and the accused, noted that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by 10-15 male producers, directors, and actors.